Revolution: The Evolution of the Role...

New York, Apr 17, 2008

LOT 94

Ref. 5500 Stainless Steel Explorer Rolex, ?Oyster Perpetual, Explorer, Precision?, Ref. 5500/1002. Made in 1964. Fine and rare, center seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel wristwatch with a stainless steel Rolex Oyster expansion bracelet.

USD 4,000 - 6,000

EUR 2,700 - 4,000

Sold: USD 4,800

C. Three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back and crown. D. Black with luminous Arabic numerals and baton indexes, outer minute/seconds track. Luminous steel skeleton hands. M. Cal. 1520, rhodium-plated, oeilde- perdrix decoration, 26 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating flat balance spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 34 mm. Thickness 12 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good

Case: 3

Good

Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

The Ref. 5500 is the so-called 'Air-King' Explorer. Rolex began to fit an Explorer-type dial to the 'Air-King' Reference 5500. The Explorer dial was marked 'Precision' rather than 'Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified' as we would expect to see on the 'Air-King'.