Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: X Hong Kong Friday, July 10, 2020 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1978
    Reference No: 5513, repeated inside caseback
    Case No: 5’647’374
    Model Name: Submariner, "Maxi dial"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1520, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “93150”, endlinks stamped “580”, max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “I.6”
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 matte dial version was introduced in circa 1967 replacing its “glossy” gilt predecessor. Early examples of matte dials featured “meters first” dials, with later examples depicted via serif/non-serif, pre-Comex and the maxi dial like the present example.

    The present lot is dated from circa 1978 bearing a 5.6 million case number features a matte black dial with two lines of text. It is fitted with an early 'Maxi 1' Dial that are found in early to mid 5 million cases serial to early 6 million case lserial. This is the last batch of production of matte dial produced by Rolex with “SUBMARINER” written below the depth rating. The present Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 “Maxi dial” is preserved in excellent and attractive overall condition with desirable buttery yellow luminous plots that match uniformly with the hands.

  • 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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991

Ref. 5513, repeated inside caseback
A fine and rare stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds and bracelet

Circa 1978
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$78,000 - 130,000 
€8,500-14,200
$10,000-16,700

Sold for HK$125,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi

Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001

WatchesHK@phillips.com

 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: X

Hong Kong Auction 10 July 2020