Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE Geneva Saturday, May 14, 2016 | Phillips

The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE

Geneva Auction 15 May 2016

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1963
    Reference No: 5513
    Movement No: 76'414
    Case No: 991'837
    Model Name: Submariner
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1530, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel expandable Rolex riveted Oyster, reference 6636, further stamped 1.64, end links stamped 80, max length 200mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 39mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed. Caseback further stamped III.63

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in the early 1960s and made until the late 1980s, the Rolex Submariner reference 5513 had the longest production run of all Submariner models. Its undeniable success can be attributed to many features, all of which make the reference highly sought after by collectors around the world. Their dials are a marvel of simplicity and balance with the famous logo at 12 o’clock and two subtle lines of text at 6 o’clock. At the same time, the dial is perfectly symmetric, an aspect reinforced by the absence of date. With design features that subtly evolved over time, early models are coveted most by collectors.

    The present watch brings together so many details that tick the boxes for collectors. Made in 1963, the early case is fitted with pointed crown guards – a beautiful design produced for approximately three years only. Most impressive is the magnificent and original glossy dial with its gilt printing, beautifully complemented by original gilt hands with luminous inserts that perfectly match the luminous hour markers. The underline found at 12 o’clock, along with the double ‘Swiss’ print at 6 o’clock are small but very significant details that set this watch apart. Signifying the use of tritium for the luminous material, the presence of the underline is perfectly in line with the watch’s production date of 1963, used when Rolex transitioned from using radium to tritium for the luminous material. The presence of two ‘Swiss’ markings, one printed in gilt, the other with white ink, is highly unusual, and the first time seen on a Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 dial. A superb, riveted Oyster bracelet with taut, expandable links, and date stamped first quarter 1964, completes the watch, making it a worthy addition to a world-class collection of 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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Rolex

Ref. 5513
A very fine and extremely rare stainless steel diver's wristwatch with pointed crown guards, black gloss "underline double swiss" dial and expandable bracelet

1963
39mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed. Caseback further stamped III.63

Estimate
CHF40,000 - 80,000 
€36,700-73,400
$41,200-82,400

Sold for CHF137,000

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE

Geneva Auction 15 May 2016