Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FOUR Hong Kong Monday, May 29, 2017 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1964
    Reference No: 5513
    Case No: 1'161'820
    Model Name: Submariner
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, 1530, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, 172 mm. maximum length
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding deployant clasp stamped 2.65
    Dimensions: 39 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: With Rolex Guarantee dated 6 August 1965 and fitted presentation box.
    Literature: For another example of a reference 5513, 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, page 186.

  • Catalogue Essay

    This gilt reference 5513 is an incredible example. The black lacquer dial is the most stunning aspect of the watch. Most surviving examples are heavily spotted, or display drag marks or swirls. Yet, this dial does not display imperfections that are visible to the naked eye. The luminous numerals match the hands perfectly, having aged with warm patina over time. The Swiss-T<25 signature, introduced in 1964, matches beautifully the serial number and the inside case back, stamped for the third quarter of 1964. The case itself still retains its full proportions and beveled edges. The bracelet stamped 1965 suggests it is also original to the watch.

    Distinguishing the watch further still, is the presence of the original guarantee, stating the watch was retailed at Art Land in Hong Kong and presentation box.

    We are delighted the watch has returned back to Hong Kong - the location of its original sale. This watch is a lovely example and really illustrates how a gilt 5513 should be.

  • 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.

    View More Works

Property of a Private Asian Collector

1104

Ref. 5513
A fine, rare and very attractive stainless steel wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, black lacquer dial, bracelet, original guarantee and fitted presentation box

Circa 1964
39 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$200,000 - 320,000 
€24,100-38,500
$25,000-40,000

Sold for HK$237,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FOUR

Hong Kong Auction 30 May 2017