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
3 replies1976 views1 photos
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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

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 Submariner Ref. 5513

The Rolex Submariner reference 5513 is a notable example within the Submariner line, distinguished by its two-line dial and lack of a date complication. Produced for an extended period, it represents a core offering for collectors seeking a straightforward and robust tool watch. Its design emphasizes legibility and functionality, aligning with the original purpose of the Submariner series. This reference is recognized for its consistent aesthetic throughout its production run, with subtle variations in dial text and bezel inserts.

The watch features a 40mm stainless steel Oyster case, offering durability and water resistance suitable for its intended use. Powering the reference 5513 is the automatic Caliber 1520 movement, known for its reliability. The crystal is acrylic, contributing to the vintage character of the watch. The unidirectional rotating bezel, typically with an aluminum insert, allows for elapsed time measurement.

For collectors, the reference 5513 is a significant model due to its long production history and the various dial iterations, such as gilt and matte dials, which present distinct collecting opportunities. Its appeal lies in its foundational design and its position as a non-date Submariner, making it a desirable piece for those who appreciate the model's original form. The watch is often paired with an Oyster bracelet, completing its functional aesthetic.

Specifications

Caliber
Cal.1520
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
40mm
Dial
Black gilt
Water Resist.
200m
Crystal
Acrylic
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The Discussion
AM
amanico
May 31, 2016

The 6538 is pretty nice! Best, Nicolas

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