Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV Hong Kong Monday, November 28, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1966
    Reference No: 5513
    Case No: 1’327’375, inside caseback stamped 5513, IV65
    Model Name: Submariner
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1520, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: NATO
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1962, Rolex released one of their most important Submariner references, the 5513, which had one of the longest production spanning 27 years seized in 1989. The release would be one of the very first Submariner models that set the tone of the design language that is still in play today. At the beginning of its production, the reference featured glossy lacquered black dials with gilt texts with a “meters first” dial while later examples from 1970 onwards featured the more common “feet first” dial. With these glossy dials, Rolex only produced them for an estimated total of 4 years making these early ref. 5513s rare and highly desirable.

    The present Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 with a 1.3 million serial from circa 1966 fitted with a “glossy” black lacquered “meters first” “SWISS-T<25” dial is one of the last iterations of the glossy dial before the transition to matte dials. Offered in attractive overall condition boasting a crisp case, clean insert and a nice dial with desirable lume plots, the present ref. 5513 is a nice example for vintage Rolex lovers to add to their 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

1057

Ref. 5513
A very fine and rare stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, “glossy” black lacquered “meters first” dial and bracelet

Circa 1966
40mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$100,000 - 200,000 
€11,900-23,800
$12,800-25,600

Sold for HK$163,800

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV

28 - 29 November 2022 (Online Registration ends 27 Nov, 2pm HKT)