Phillips Hong Kong Vintage Rolex Auction Analysis
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Phillips Hong Kong Vintage Rolex Auction Analysis

By Bill · May 31, 2016 · 3 replies
Bill
WPS member · Rolex forum
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It looks like the Phillips auction has come back down to earth in Hong Kong with the Vintage Rolex gang. The mystery of what goes on in Geneva is far from being solved. I can understand the market is a little softer for Vintage Rolex in Hong Kong because the collectors are both sophisticated and hav

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It looks like the Phillips auction has come back down to earth in Hong Kong with the Vintage Rolex gang.

The mystery of what goes on in Geneva is far from being solved.

I can understand the market is a little softer for Vintage Rolex in Hong Kong because the collectors are both sophisticated and have a great supply among them.

Also you have to consider the selection below are not the most mint examples but all very honest.  It is important to note average gilt 5513  may command the auction price in the USD 20k but a pristine example is easily going to trade closer to $40k +.  So take this not as a true indication of market value but fair price for honest watches.  Looking at the big crown Rolex 6538 you can see the condition and realize the price could vary upwards 50% or more depending on the example.



 

270

ROLEX

A very fine and rare stainless steel wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, black lacquer dial, big crown and original bracelet
勞力士,非常精細及罕有,不銹鋼自動上弦鏈帶腕錶,配中心秒針、黑色漆錶盤、特大錶冠及原裝鏈帶,“Submariner”,型號6538,約1958年製Manufacturer: Rolex 
Year: Circa 1958 
Reference N 6538 
Movement N N807846 
Case N 426'441 
Model Name: Submariner 
Material: Stainless steel 
Calibre: Automatic, 1030, 25 jewels 
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oysterbracelet, 180 mm. maximum length, end link stamped 80 
Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding deployant clasp 
Dimensions: 37.5 mm. maximum length
Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Estimate HK$620,000 - 900,000 SOLD FOR HK$750,000














271

ROLEX

A fine and rare stainless steel wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, black lacquer exclamation dial and bracelet
勞力士,精細及罕有,不銹鋼自動上弦鏈帶腕錶,配中心秒針、黑色漆錶盤,型號5508,1961年製Manufacturer: Rolex 
Year: 1961 
Reference N 5508 
Movement N D80647 
Case N 763'433 
Model Name: Submariner 
Material: Stainless steel 
Calibre: Automatic, 1560, 26 jewels 
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oysterbracelet, 185 mm. maximum length 
Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding deployant clasp 
Dimensions: 38 mm. diameter
Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Estimate HK$120,000 - 180,000 SOLD FOR HK$187,500


















272

ROLEX

A fine and rare stainless steel wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, black lacquer dial and bracelet
勞力士,精細及罕有,不銹鋼自動上弦鏈帶腕錶,配中心秒針及黑色漆錶盤,“Submariner”,型號5508,1958年製Manufacturer: Rolex 
Year: 1958 
Reference N 5508, inside case back stamped III.1958 
Movement N 30'208 
Case N 399'755 
Model Name: Submariner 
Material: Stainless steel 
Calibre: Automatic, 1530, 17 jewels 
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oysterbracelet stamped 7206, 186 mm. maximum length 
Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding deployant clasp 
Dimensions: 38 mm. diameter
Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Estimate HK$120,000 - 180,000 SOLD FOR HK$150,000





















274

ROLEX

A fine and very rare stainless steel wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, black lacquer underline 'Swiss' dial, pointed crown guards and bracelet
勞力士,精細及非常罕有,不銹鋼自動上弦鏈帶腕錶,配中心秒針及黑色漆錶盤,“Submariner”,型號5513,1963年製Manufacturer: Rolex 
Year: 1963 
Reference N 5513, inside case back stamped 3.63 
Case N 1'009'526 
Model Name: Submariner 
Material: Stainless steel 
Calibre: Automatic, 1530, 26 jewels 
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oysterbracelet, 180 mm. maximum length, end link stamped 4.63 
Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding deployant clasp 
Dimensions: 39.5 mm. diameter
Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Estimate HK$96,000 - 144,000 SOLD FOR HK$162,500




 


About the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 1030

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual reference 1030 represents an early iteration of the self-winding Oyster Perpetual line, a foundational model for the brand. This reference is distinguished by its automatic movement, housed within the robust Oyster case, which established the core principles of water resistance and automatic winding that became hallmarks of Rolex watches. It was part of the broader Oyster Perpetual family that emphasized reliability and everyday wearability.

This reference typically features a stainless steel Oyster case, housing the Rolex Caliber 1030, an automatic movement. The case diameter is commonly found around 34mm, a standard size for men's watches of its era. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal, contributing to its vintage aesthetic. The Caliber 1030 movement provides a power reserve suitable for daily use.

For collectors, the reference 1030 is significant as it showcases Rolex's commitment to developing durable and precise automatic timepieces. It appeals to those interested in the evolution of the Oyster Perpetual series and the early application of Rolex's self-winding technology. Variants exist with different dial configurations and hour markers, offering diversity within the reference.

Specifications

Caliber
1030
Case
Stainless Steel
Diameter
34mm
Dial
Silver
Water Resist.
50m
Crystal
Acrylic
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The Discussion
AM
amanico
May 31, 2016
Aaah, finally, normal prices. ;)

The 6538 is pretty nice! Best, Nicolas

BI
Bill
Jun 1, 2016
Leaves reason to wonder what is happening in Geneva. Too much too fast. [nt]

AM
amanico
Jun 2, 2016
Tough to understand, indeed. [nt]

Available on the marketplace

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