Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV Hong Kong Monday, November 28, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1979
    Reference No: 5513, repeated inside caseback
    Case No: 6’057’169
    Model Name: Submariner, Maxi II
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1520, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped "93150", endlinks stamped "580", max length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “F”
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Alhambra Watch Co. Ltd. Hong Kong dated 25th August 1981.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present example is a ref. 5513 from circa 1979, sporting a classic matte black “Maxi II” dial with the iconic painted tritium hour markers. Introduced in 1978, “Maxi II” dials are usually found in the 5 million to early 6 million serial cases, distinguished for the “SUBMARINER” line being printed above the depth rating on a matte dial. Other defining features of this dial variant include: the depth rating being longer than the line above topped with a lack of serif on the “f”, and that the “=” sign is directly aligned with the centre of the “A” in “SUBMARINER”. This dial is well-preserved in excellent condition with no significant flaws, complemented by tritium indexes that have developed a lovely warm patina, further delivered with a set of oxidised hands. The 40mm case has also been well looked after and its lugs remain thick and bevelled.

    Combining the winning trifactor of its rarity, condition and guarantee, the present ref. 5513 is a highly collectable piece that will be a fantastic addition for any discerning collector of vintage Rolex 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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1058

Ref. 5513, repeated inside caseback
A well-preserved and robust stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, bracelet and guarantee

Circa 1979
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$60,000 - 120,000 
€7,100-14,300
$7,700-15,400

Sold for HK$126,000

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)