168 Rolex Valuable and Fine Explorer Automatic Wristwatch in Steel, Reference 5500, With Black Gilt “Underline” Dial
Estimate: € 12.000 – 24.000
Sold (Premium) € 13.000
| Model | Explorer |
|---|---|
| Year | 1964 |
| Reference | 5500 |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Case Number | 1026931 |
| Bracelet Material | Stainless Steel |
| Movement | Automatic, cal. 1530 |
| Dimension | 34 mm |
| Signed | Dial, movement and case |
| Movement | Automatic, cal. 1530 |
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.