Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII Hong Kong Thursday, November 25, 2021 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1967
    Reference No: 5513
    Case No: 1’617’213, inside caseback stamped “II.67”
    Model Name: Submariner, "Meter First"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1520, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “6636”, endlinks stamped “80”, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped “4.66”
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In production for more than 25 years from 1962 until 1988, the Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 was the first Submariner models to feature crown guards for enhanced robustness along with its sibling ref. 5512. Initially produced with glossy lacquered dials for a short production span of approximately four years, Rolex started to introduce the matte dials like the present example since its inception from 1966. The present Submariner 5513 is no ordinary matte dial, featuring the meter first depth rating indicative for only early production specimens, making this a highly collectible example for many. Other distinctive elements that give hints of an early matte dial is the semi-open 6’s depth rating, Swiss-T<25 spanning across a total of five minute has marks at the bottom edge of the dial. Bearing a 1.617 serial and the inside caseback stamped second quarter of 1967, the present example boasting a strong case with defined bevels is certainly period matching. Furthermore, the patina on the indexes have ages into a beautiful warm buttery hue, making this an incredible vintage find from the early matte dial series.

  • 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.

    View More Works

1042

Ref. 5513
A fine and rare stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with bracelet, center seconds, "Meter First" dial and presentation box

Circa 1967
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$160,000 - 260,000 
€17,800-28,800
$20,500-33,300

Sold for HK$214,200

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII

Hong Kong Auctions 25-26 November 2021