Rolex - Geneva Watch Auction: TWO Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2015 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1972
    Reference No: 5513
    Case No: 2'683'776
    Model Name: Submariner
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Movement removed
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster
    Clasp/Buckle: Déployant clasp stamped 7-72
    Dimensions: 39.5mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and bracelet signed
    Accessories: The present example is accompanied with James Bond memorabilia, 3 corresponding black and white framed stills, the "Live and Let Die" movie tape and the Christie's South Kensington catalogue of the "James Bond" auction in 14.02.2001.
    Provenance: The present example was formerly offered at auction at Christie's South Kensington, on 14.02.2001, "James Bond", lot 145. Later offered at Christie's Geneva, 14.11.2011, "Important Watches", lot 182.

  • Provenance

    The present example was formerly offered at auction at Christie's South Kensington, on 14.02.2001, "James Bond", lot 145. Later offered at Christie's Geneva, 14.11.2011, "Important Watches", lot 182.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The most recognizable watch in history with 1 billion people having watched the film “Live and Let Die”, the wristwatch worn on the wrist of Sir Roger Moore as James Bond is in fact a Rolex Submariner reference 5513 made in 1972, and was later modified for the movie.

    Art director and British production designer Syd Cain worked on over 30 movie projects, and received international fame for playing a key role as gadget designer in the James Bond movies. The acclaimed Rolex Submariner worn was memorable for its buzzsaw bezel that spun and could cut through rope to escape dangerous situations, and its hyper intensified magnetic field with the ability to deflect bullets. Used for both humor and heightened dramatic events, the magnetic power could unzip Miss Caruso’s dress, and catch a spoon off of a coffee saucer.

    The present Rolex reference 5513 “Q” is the most unforgettable watch prop used in a movie and is even signed inside the caseback “Roger Moore 007”. As a highlight in the most iconic scenes of “Live and Let Die”, this watch is sure to interest both watch collectors and true fans of cinematography alike.

    SYD CAIN: An accomplished movie production designer, "Syd" Cain is best known for his creative work on four films of the famous James Bond 007 series. His work on the series followed his successful efforts supporting Producer Albert R. Broccoli on two films in 1954 and 1956. Broccoli chose Cain for "Dr. No" in 1962, and went on to assume the role of art director for 1963's "From Russia With Love". That film introduced Q, the legendary character responsible for issuing gadgets to James Bond. It was Cain who was designing these gadgets in actuality, including villains gadgets, such as the poisoned-tipped blade of Rosa Klebb's shoes, and of course this Rolex Submariner 5513 worn in 1973's "Live and Let Die".

    Cain (1918-2011) was himself a survivor, having managed to walk away from a plane crash during World War II, and later, surviving a lightning strike. Notably, he also served as assistant art director for Standley Kubrick, and production designer for Alford Hitchcock and Jack Gold. Survived by five sons and three daughters, he was a popular personality with James Bond fans, and wrote an autobiography documenting his experiences with the 007 films: "Not Forgetting James Bond: The Autobiography of James Bond Production Designer Syd Cain”.

  • 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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290

Ref. 5513
A unique and historically significant stainless steel wristwatch-prop with bracelet, specially adapted for James Bond's "Live and Let Die", caseback signed "Roger Moore 007"

1972
39.5mm. Diameter
Case, dial and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF150,000 - 250,000 

Sold for CHF365,000

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

Geneva Watch Auction: TWO

Geneva Auction 7 & 8 November 2015 6:30pm