Vintage Rolex Explorer 5501 Steel & Gold

Vintage Watch Condition Examination

This Rolex watch is in vintage condition with surface wear to the case and bezel. The case is in good condition with some scratches and appears to have been polished. The inside caseback is stamped “1002 IV.63.” The gold fluted bezel is in great condition and still shows definition. The dial is in great condition with patina and very fine spotting throughout. The hour markers and hands have developed patina. The lume has all developed patina and some has darkened.

The Rolex 5501 for sale here is a very rare instance of two Rolex models using the same reference number. In this case, it is the Explorer and Air-King. As the story goes, Rolex wanted to capitalize on the successful first summit of Mount Everest made by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. During the historic climb, one of the men was sporting a Rolex Oyster on their wrist. The model 5501 was released with the moniker “Explorer” printed on the dial, and the rest is history. Features include Rolex’s famous waterproof Oyster case. However, unlike the watch worn on Mount Everest, the case is outfitted with an elegant yellow gold fluted bezel. The example you see here also features a matching silver dial decorated with handsome yellow gold dauphine hands and arrowhead hour markers. Add this very special piece of Rolex history to your watch box today.

Authenticity

* All Pre-Owned Rolex watches are guaranteed to be 100% genuine and certified authentic. Certificates are issued by WatchCSA, the industry’s leading independent authority on watch authentication. WatchCSA Certified Pre-Owned certificates are provided for an additional fee at checkout. All watches are shipped to fit the average size wrist (7 1/4″ – 7 1/2″ for men and 6 1/4″ – 6 1/2″ for women). Additional links can be purchased if needed. Note that “B&P” means “box and papers” where stated.