Rolex Explorer 5500 (1967)

This is a superb example of the Rolex Explorer, with an original and attractive gilt print dial. The Explorer is one of the most iconic designs from the legendary Rolex. The Explorer range was created in celebration of the first successful ascent of Mount Everest by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. During the expedition both climbers were equipped with watches from Rolex and Smiths (it's believed that Hillary wore his Smiths watch and Norgay a Rolex).

The characteristics of the Explorer are similar to a lot of the Rolex sports models with a highly legible black dial, luminous type hands; a waterproof case with screw-down case back and screw-down crown and an automatic-winding movement.

This particular Explorer model, a ref 5500, was produced as an affordable model for British armed forces personnel to purchase through the NAAFI, the official military trading organisation. It came in two variants, the Precision and the Super Precision and features a very slightly smaller case than the regular Explorer models of this period (34mm vs 36mm).

The case is clean and in good order, movement running perfectly. This example has a wonderful gilt print dial which is clean and shows only some small signs of age. I must draw attention to two small marks at the bottom of the dial under the 6 numeral and another small mark at the 7 minute position. The watch has an original Rolex sprung-steel bracelet

The ref 5500 Explorer represents excellent value for a 1960s Rolex sports model, the prices of which have sky-rocketed in the past decade.


Manufacturer: Rolex
Year: 1967
Reference No: 5500 stamped 1002 and I.67 inside the caseback for Q1 of 1967
Material: Stainless steel
Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1520, 26 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex riveted Oyster bracelet
Diameter (excluding crown): 34mm. Diameter