Rolex Explorer ref 5500 A stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet, circa 1963

Dial: black
Calibre: cal. 1530 automatic, 26 jewels
Movement number: 10133
Case: polished tonneau-form, screw down back and crown, inside back date coded 163, no.1002
Closure: Rolex Oyster link bracelet and folding clasp
Dimensions: 34mm diameter, internal circumference approximately 170mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Accessories: none

The Rolex reference 5500 was launched in 1957 and would carry various names on the dial but the reference is most often associated with the Air King model. During a small period of time in the 1960s however, Rolex also produced a small number of reference 5500 watches with Explorer dials that were very closely aligned to the classic Explorer Reference 1016. Instead of 'Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified' the dials would spell out 'Super Precision' or 'Precision' below the hands, as displayed in this lot. The case of reference 5500 was slightly smaller than that of the later Explorer reference 1016, which went on to become Rolex's longest running Explorer model and was in production from 1963 to 1989.

• Lot Sold $5,000 (Hammer Price)
• $6,250 (Hammer Price with Buyer's Premium)

CONTACT INFORMATION +

Specialists
	Patricia Kontos Senior Specialist Jewels ; Melbourne ; T: 61 (0)3 9508 9900  E: Patricia Kontos		Emma Finn Administrator Jewels ; Sydney ; T: 61 (0)2 9302 2402  E: Emma Finn