Rolex - The New York Watch Auction: XI New York Saturday, December 7, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1985
    Reference No: 5513, case interior stamped 5512
    Case No: 8’678’160
    Model Name: Submariner
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1520, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with extender, stamped 93150, end links stamped 580, max overall length 235mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 93150, H
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee dated December 17, 1985 and stamped Boodle & Dunthorne LTD, with secondary guarantee stamped Member of The National Association of Goldsmiths and dated December 17, 1985, original sales invoice, Rolex hang tag, green leather Rolex presentation box, two green leather wallets, product literature, polish cloth and outer packaging

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex’s reference 5513 is a benchmark for dive watches, and the watch that best epitomizes the Submariner line. Released in 1962, the Submariner 5513 was in production until 1989, enjoying a lengthy run of approximately 27 years. Throughout its history, the model evolved with various modifications and improvements, especially with respect to the dial. While the earliest examples of the reference featured glossy gilt dials with gilt writing, later examples featured matte black dials, and near the end of its production, Rolex replaced the matte black dial variant with a glossy black dial featuring white gold bordered luminous indices. These glossy examples were produced until the reference was discontinued.

    The present example from 1985 features the last dial variant, which over time, formed “spider” lines throughout the glossy lacquer. These small fissures are often subtle and often found on Rolex watches from the 1980s in particular the Submariner and GMT-Master. They have become a desirable trait for collectors of vintage timepieces offering the watch a unique trait since no two watches with “spider” lines will be the same. It is an added dimension to the authenticity and history of the watch.

    This reference 5513 is well-preserved and complete, accompanied by a suite of accessories including the original guarantee and invoice from Boodle & Dunthorne LTD. Rolex’s Submariner is an iconic dive watch, and this lovely example is a perfect addition to any 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.

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Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 5513, case interior stamped 5512
A fine and attractive stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with “spider” dial, bracelet, guarantee, original sales invoice, hang tag and presentation box

Circa 1985
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
$5,000 - 10,000 
CHF4,400-8,800
€4,700-9,400
HK$38,900-77,700

Sold for $10,160

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
watchesny@phillips.com

Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: XI

New York Auction 7 - 8 December 2024