Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX Geneva Friday, November 10, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1964
    Reference No: 5513 inside cased back stamped III.64
    Case No: 1'172'034
    Model Name: Submariner
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1530, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Tropical Sport
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 39mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex fitted box.
    Literature: For another example of a reference 5513, see 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, page 186.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex reference 5512 and 5513 are the archetype of the Rolex tool watch and exemplify the Submariner as we know it today. Launched in approximately 1962, reference 5513, along with reference 5512, were the first Submariner models to be fitted with crown guards. Its predecessors, such as reference 5508 or 6536/1 all featured a 'small crown', which Rolex deemed too delicate for a robust tool watch.

    The present reference 5513, part of the early examples, is fitted with a coveted glossy black dial with gilt printing harmoniously matching the patina on the indexes and hands that have turned to an appealing vanilla color. The case is in superb condition with visible bevels.

    The reference 5513 is a benchmark model, and the present, early timepiece is an impressive example. It is a worthy addition to a discerning collection featuring rare sports watches.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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Ref. 5513 inside cased back stamped III.64
A fine, rare and very attractive stainless steel divers' wristwatch with sweep center seconds and black glossy dial

1964
39mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF12,000 - 18,000 
€10,400-15,500
$12,400-18,600

Sold for CHF22,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX

Geneva Auctions 11 - 12 November 2017