[joe100]

I agree with Gug here. The Expy 5500 dials can be tricky. Underline, no underline, production dates etc. An authentic Exp5500 is priced well above an AirKing 5500 even though they are essentially the same watch. It's all in the dial. I think the Explorers all had 1530 movements but some of the AKs had 1530s as well. Most AKs had 1520 movements but this is by no means a good differentiator.

I love the 5500s whether it be AK or Explorer. What I'd do, and this is just my opinion, is get a black dial (or the much less common grey dial) AirKing and know you have the real thing while paying much less. I couldn't stand the idea of an super expensive Frankenstein on my wrist.

About a year ago I saw a 5500 explorer in person. The price was ok but I just couldn't be sure so I passed.