I know I am posting on old link. But for the sake of topic, I thought it ok. However if administrators think it more appropriate to have a newer thread, they may shift it.
I have been looking for an authentic and different 'explorer' and knew I could not afford a pristine one. Hence got a beaten down one. The serial number is in 846*** and reference seems to be 5501 as can be seen in the photos.
[IMG]D:\Antique\resize\RolexExplorer5500\RolexExplorer5 501Paint[/IMG]
Inside case back also says 5501 and manufactured in 3rd quarter of 1962 (III 62).
[IMG]D:\Antique\resize\RolexExplorer5500\RolexExpInside Back5501[/IMG]
It fully tallies with the piece offered in Antiquorum sale many years back. As a matter of fact, the case serial numbers are also tallying in the sense that first three digits are the same. And that Antiquorum piece is also from 1962. It uses gold bezel,dagger hands. Mine is Cal 1530 and is PRECISION.
[IMG]D:\Antique\resize\RolexExplorer5500\Antiquorum5501 SameSerial[/IMG]
However, I saw a similar piece discussed on VRF where reference is 5500 and dial almost same. But bezel and crown is steel. The URL is here
http://www.network54.com/Forum/20759...6gt%3B%26gt%3B
I am wondering how confusing Explorer Model is!
Help I need is on
1. Is Explorer 5500 with steel bezel and steel crown?
2. Is Explorer 5501 with Gold Bezel and Gold crown?
Thanks