Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII Hong Kong Thursday, November 25, 2021 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1961
    Reference No: 5508
    Movement No: 28’998
    Case No: 763’548
    Model Name: Submariner
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal.1530, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster riveted bracelet, endlinks stamped 64, max length 200m
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “2.66”
    Dimensions: 37mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Submariner is one of Rolex's most iconic models. Still in production today, it has gone through multiple changes and upgrades throughout its six decade long history. While early generation examples notably had either a "small" or "big" crown, Rolex gradually introduced crown guards to make the model more robust and durable.

    Reference 5508, the'small crown' Submariner, was introduced in 1958 and ceased production in 1962 and was one of the last model to carry the 100m depth rating. The present example is exceptional with its contrasting polished and brushed finishes the case, clean sharp bevels and strong case proportions. The glossy black lacquered dial with gilt chapter ring and Mercedes hands are period correct. The Submariner diver’s watch is an icon in the world of horology and this example is a wonderful addition to a collection.

  • 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

1039

Ref. 5508
A fine and rare stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, no crown guard and black lacquered dial

Circa 1961
37mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed.

Estimate
HK$250,000 - 450,000 
€27,700-49,800
$32,100-57,700

Sold for HK$415,800

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII

Hong Kong Auctions 25-26 November 2021