Property from an important European collector
994
Rolex
Ref. 5513, inside caseback stamped III.63
Submariner
A very fine and rare stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, black lacquered “Swiss underline” dial, pointed crown guards and bracelet
- Estimate
- HK$180,000 - 350,000€19,400 - 37,700$23,100 - 44,900
HK$390,600
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- Circa 1963
- Reference No
- 5513, inside caseback stamped III.63
- Movement No
- 27’759
- Case No
- 977’187
- Model Name
- Submariner
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 1530, 26 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 170mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp
- Dimensions
- 40mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement, bracelet and buckle signed
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Introduced in 1962, the Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 and 5512 were the first Submariner models to feature crown guards, which gave the timepiece a completely different appeal whilst enhancing its robustness at the same time.
Early examples of the reference were fitted with “glossy” lacquered dials with a short production span of approximately four years. In 1967, Rolex replaced its “glossy” lacquered dials with the more common matte dial. Admired and praised by collectors, these early examples are highly sought after and rare with varying dial examples commanding more than others.
The present Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 certainly belongs to one of the rarer examples, as it features two elements that separates itself from its later peers, bearing a “Swiss only” “underline” dial and pointed crown guards. Exceedingly rare, pointed crown guards were only featured in the first year of production from 1962 to 1963. Furthermore, early examples of the reference featured an “underline” either below “OYSTER PERPETUAL” or under “SUBMARINER”. Believed by enthusiasts and aficionados of Rolex timepieces, the underline on the dial signifies the use of Tritium for the luminous material on the dial.
Bearing a 977’XXX serial in between the lugs indicating an example from circa 1963, the present timepiece fitted with a caseback stamped III.63 is offered in attractive overall condition.
Early examples of the reference were fitted with “glossy” lacquered dials with a short production span of approximately four years. In 1967, Rolex replaced its “glossy” lacquered dials with the more common matte dial. Admired and praised by collectors, these early examples are highly sought after and rare with varying dial examples commanding more than others.
The present Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 certainly belongs to one of the rarer examples, as it features two elements that separates itself from its later peers, bearing a “Swiss only” “underline” dial and pointed crown guards. Exceedingly rare, pointed crown guards were only featured in the first year of production from 1962 to 1963. Furthermore, early examples of the reference featured an “underline” either below “OYSTER PERPETUAL” or under “SUBMARINER”. Believed by enthusiasts and aficionados of Rolex timepieces, the underline on the dial signifies the use of Tritium for the luminous material on the dial.
Bearing a 977’XXX serial in between the lugs indicating an example from circa 1963, the present timepiece fitted with a caseback stamped III.63 is offered in attractive overall condition.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded 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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