Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1979
    Reference No: 5513
    Case No: 6’191’695; repeated inside caseback 5513
    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 “CP7”
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Iconic and timeless with an attractive presence, the present Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 with a 6.1 million serial from circa 1979 features a desirable Maxi II dial with large 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”.

    The present example belongs to one of the last examples that has left the Rolex manufacture with a Maxi II dial. Offered in attractive overall condition with an attractive dial that has aged in uniform fashion, the present timepiece is a nice option for vintage collectors to sport on a daily.

  • 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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890

Ref. 5513
A fine and attractive stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds and bracelet

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

Estimate
HK$80,000 - 160,000 
€9,300-18,700
$10,300-20,500

Sold for HK$120,650

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2023