Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: TWO Hong Kong Monday, May 30, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1963
    Reference No: 5513
    Case No: 969'134
    Model Name: Submariner
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, 1520, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, 176 mm. maximum length, end link stamped 58
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 39 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Literature: For another example of a reference 5513 with a underline dial, please see 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, page 187.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Today, the so-called 'Explorer' dial is very fashionable and sought after. The name 'Explorer' stems from the original Rolex Explorer dial featuring the 3-6-9-numerals. Other than the Explorer, the only other Rolex watches to feature 3-6-9-dials are the Large Crown Submariner, reference 6200, 6538 and 5510 are known and the later reference 5512 and 5513 with crown guards. In production for only the first half of the 1960s, 5512 and 5513 are rare, however, it is virtually impossible to find these reference fitted with the Explorer dials.

    The present watch was manufactured in the last half of 1963 and features the correct 'underline' and 'Swiss T<25' dial, which is the transitional period for when Rolex stop using radium and transfer to tritium. The watch also features pointed crown guards, which is correct for the period. The dial itself is a gorgeous black lacquer and the case has retained with its original beveled edges and period bracelet. The present watch has great charisma and is an exceptional example.

  • 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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292

Ref. 5513
A very fine and very rare stainless steel wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, black lacquer 'underline Explorer' dial, pointed crown guards and bracelet

1963
39 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$900,000 - 2,000,000 

Sold for HK$1,360,000

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: TWO

Hong Kong Auction 31 May 2016