168 Rolex Valuable and Fine Explorer Automatic Wristwatch in Steel, Reference 5500, With Black Gilt “Underline” Dial

Estimate: € 12,000 –⁠ 24,000

Sold € 13,000

Model: Explorer
Reference: 5500
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 1964
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 1530
Case N°: 1026931
Dimensions: 34 mm
Signed: Dial, movement and case

The Explorer history dates back to the references 6098 and 6150 in 1952, followed by the 6610 three years later. The 5500 is not a reference of a Explorer family, in fact, clearly identifiable as an Explorer with its 3-6-9 dial, the present reference 5500 is a transformed Air King model with a 34mm case insted of the usual 36mm. The DNA of the history of the model is undeniably present, but is a bit re-interpreted with a smaller twist, noticeable especially in its perfect stainless steel case and by its dial design, with its black gilt configuration, preserved in immaculate condition and with an important feature: the presence of an “underline” along with the rarely seen double “–T<25” printing on both sides of the “SWISS” designation at 6 o’clock, printed later in a different silver tone.