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mrwhite · 9 April 2012, 12:56 AM

Hello,

I was wondering if you guys could tell me what a Rolex Explorer 5500 in good condition from '74 would be worth?

Thanks for your replies!

happy easter

joe100 · 9 April 2012, 01:25 AM

I'd say $6500US or so. Be über careful, a lot of 5500 Explorers are redialed 5500 AKs. I personally love both. It's a minefield for this model.

Great choice though!

Gugnunc · 9 April 2012, 08:28 PM

Be very, very careful. There is a great deal of confusion about 5500 Explorers; I have done quite a bit of research into this model (an example of which I own) and I don't think (but am not certain) that any genuine ones were made after 1968/69. As joe100 says, this is one of the most faked Rolexes - Air King with aftermarket Explorer dial. I know it's asking a lot for a model of this age but I would only be happy if there were an original receipt with both the serial no. and model recorded - that is a council of perfection and probably like searching for hen's teeth.
However, if you are happy that what is being offered is the genuine article I would say that joes's estimate is not far out. It would be a bit hgher if it were the "Super Precision" as opposed to "Precision" model and even more if it had an underlne dial (not likely for a late model), the cream on the cake would be the original expanding rivetted bracelet. Get some sort of guarantee of authenticity if buying from a dealer. Hope that this helps.

joe100 · 9 April 2012, 09:39 PM

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.

Gugnunc · 9 April 2012, 10:28 PM

Hi joe,
I think that the way the movements tied up with the models is as follows: 1530 = Super Precision and 1520 = Precision - this applies to both the Air King and the Explorer. From looking at both these models over some time, I would estimate (and it is only an estimation) that there were about two Precisions for every Super Precision (Air king and Explorer) In all cases I cannot be 100% certain of any assertions that I make (this is a Rolex we're talking about after all) but I am satisfied in my own mind that I'm working at a 95% confidence level.

My earlier post should read COUNSEL of perfection and not council of perfection - back to school!

joe100 · 9 April 2012, 10:38 PM

Haha yes it's super early here but I agree. I should have made that point first and my statement would have seemed more logical haha.

I didn't realize there were more 1530s than 1520s. Very interesting!

harry in montreal · 10 April 2012, 01:01 AM

i think a 1016 is a better investment... less room for interpretation and a slightly larger watch. unless you love the 5500, beware. if you ever try to sell it, everyone will question the legitimacy of the dial. exit strategy could be tough. if the 5500 is a good deal that i would be worried it was simply a redial

adam78 · 10 April 2012, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

i think a 1016 is a better investment... less room for interpretation and a slightly larger watch. unless you love the 5500, beware. if you ever try to sell it, everyone will question the legitimacy of the dial. exit strategy could be tough. if the 5500 is a good deal that i would be worried it was simply a redial

True words of wisdom!

cronin · 10 April 2012, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

i think a 1016 is a better investment... less room for interpretation and a slightly larger watch. unless you love the 5500, beware. if you ever try to sell it, everyone will question the legitimacy of the dial. exit strategy could be tough. if the 5500 is a good deal that i would be worried it was simply a redial

Is is for this reason that I would stay away from the 5500 explorer. I owned one that the seller said was 100% original. Despite that, I always had the nagging voice in the back of my head telling me there was a chance it wasn't.

joe100 · 10 April 2012, 01:49 AM

I agree. A 1016 is much easier to verify. If you like the 34mm size, get an AK black dial and pocket the savings.

mrwhite · 10 April 2012, 02:27 AM

Thanks guys!

I saw one the other day but without box/papers...the price was relativley low so I guess it is better to play it safe and find a nice 1016! :)

harry in montreal · 10 April 2012, 03:18 AM

i think that the 1016 is simply the nicest rolex ever made. you will never go wrong with one of these.

joe100 · 10 April 2012, 04:13 AM

Yep, 1016 perfect classic. No fiddly bezels...

Paul · 10 April 2012, 04:32 AM

Good balanced comments from the team on this topic. I'm a big fan of early Explorers' but I tread with care.

I'd be extra cautious with any later model 5500 Explorer - and IMO even an early 60's example should show its age appropriately.

Here's a few Early Explorers.

Dress 5500 from 1962
Sports 5500 from 1962 *
Sports 6610 from 1958

* Ignore the loose bracelet - just propped on for the pic

Gugnunc · 10 April 2012, 05:45 AM

Just a quick final thought; IF the dial of a 5500 Exp. is original then it will no longer be readable in the dark and the hands WILL show light corrosion where they come into contact with the lume, not necessarily enough to be unsightly but clearly visible under magnification. Working lume and pristine hands = redial = half the value of a true original.

Kingair · 10 April 2012, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul

Good balanced comments from the team on this topic. I'm a big fan of early Explorers' but I tread with care.

I'd be extra cautious with any later model 5500 Explorer - and IMO even an early 60's example should show its age appropriately.

Here's a few Early Explorers.

Dress 5500 from 1962
Sports 5500 from 1962 *
Sports 6610 from 1958

* Ignore the loose bracelet - just propped on for the pic

Nice collection Paul !

Congrats

joe100 · 10 April 2012, 10:32 AM

Hey Gugnunc,

I agree there about the lime but I think worse yet are the original dials in an AK case. Those are the real spooky ones.

I contacted Rolex SA about my 5500 as I had some questions and the very kind reply came today. Thankfully it confirmed some questions I had but it also contradicted the chart we use for dating via serial numbers. I know it's only approximate but Rolex must keep a pretty detailed list of what was made and when compared to our commonly accepted serial number database.

Very friendly people over at the main office in Switzerland.

My point is if I had to have a 5500exp I'd have to have Rolex themselves vet it first. You run into age problems but I'd be willing to pay if they'd only just verify it at the RSC

harry in montreal · 10 April 2012, 01:13 PM

i would put the cash down on the watch in the middle of that photo in a heartbeat. that thing is so spooky and patina'ed... you cant fake that! what a beauty.

Keeperoftime · 10 April 2012, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe100

I'd say $6500US or so. Be über careful, a lot of 5500 Explorers are redialed 5500 AKs. I personally love both. It's a minefield for this model.

Great choice though!

X10

9 April 2012, 12:56 AM	#1
mrwhite "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Manchester Posts: 13	Explorer 5500 Hello, I was wondering if you guys could tell me what a Rolex Explorer 5500 in good condition from '74 would be worth? Thanks for your replies! happy easter

9 April 2012, 01:25 AM	#2
joe100 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Joe Location: New Mexico Watch: Explorer Posts: 12,753	I'd say $6500US or so. Be über careful, a lot of 5500 Explorers are redialed 5500 AKs. I personally love both. It's a minefield for this model. Great choice though! __________________ It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy. -TRF Member 6982-

9 April 2012, 08:28 PM	#3
Gugnunc "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Philip Bowes Location: England Watch: 5500 Exp & 114270 Posts: 154	Be very, very careful. There is a great deal of confusion about 5500 Explorers; I have done quite a bit of research into this model (an example of which I own) and I don't think (but am not certain) that any genuine ones were made after 1968/69. As joe100 says, this is one of the most faked Rolexes - Air King with aftermarket Explorer dial. I know it's asking a lot for a model of this age but I would only be happy if there were an original receipt with both the serial no. and model recorded - that is a council of perfection and probably like searching for hen's teeth. However, if you are happy that what is being offered is the genuine article I would say that joes's estimate is not far out. It would be a bit hgher if it were the "Super Precision" as opposed to "Precision" model and even more if it had an underlne dial (not likely for a late model), the cream on the cake would be the original expanding rivetted bracelet. Get some sort of guarantee of authenticity if buying from a dealer. Hope that this helps. __________________ At the end of the game the pawn and the king go back into the same box.

9 April 2012, 09:39 PM	#4
joe100 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Joe Location: New Mexico Watch: Explorer Posts: 12,753	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. __________________ It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy. -TRF Member 6982-

9 April 2012, 10:28 PM	#5
Gugnunc "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Philip Bowes Location: England Watch: 5500 Exp & 114270 Posts: 154	Hi joe, I think that the way the movements tied up with the models is as follows: 1530 = Super Precision and 1520 = Precision - this applies to both the Air King and the Explorer. From looking at both these models over some time, I would estimate (and it is only an estimation) that there were about two Precisions for every Super Precision (Air king and Explorer) In all cases I cannot be 100% certain of any assertions that I make (this is a Rolex we're talking about after all) but I am satisfied in my own mind that I'm working at a 95% confidence level. My earlier post should read COUNSEL of perfection and not council of perfection - back to school! __________________ At the end of the game the pawn and the king go back into the same box.

9 April 2012, 10:38 PM	#6
joe100 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Joe Location: New Mexico Watch: Explorer Posts: 12,753	Haha yes it's super early here but I agree. I should have made that point first and my statement would have seemed more logical haha. I didn't realize there were more 1530s than 1520s. Very interesting! __________________ It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy. -TRF Member 6982-

10 April 2012, 01:01 AM	#7
harry in montreal "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Montreal Watch: The Habs pick 1st! Posts: 3,589	i think a 1016 is a better investment... less room for interpretation and a slightly larger watch. unless you love the 5500, beware. if you ever try to sell it, everyone will question the legitimacy of the dial. exit strategy could be tough. if the 5500 is a good deal that i would be worried it was simply a redial

10 April 2012, 01:49 AM	#10
joe100 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Joe Location: New Mexico Watch: Explorer Posts: 12,753	I agree. A 1016 is much easier to verify. If you like the 34mm size, get an AK black dial and pocket the savings. __________________ It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy. -TRF Member 6982-

10 April 2012, 02:27 AM	#11
mrwhite "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Manchester Posts: 13	Thanks guys! I saw one the other day but without box/papers...the price was relativley low so I guess it is better to play it safe and find a nice 1016! :)

10 April 2012, 03:18 AM	#12
harry in montreal "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Montreal Watch: The Habs pick 1st! Posts: 3,589	i think that the 1016 is simply the nicest rolex ever made. you will never go wrong with one of these.

10 April 2012, 04:13 AM	#13
joe100 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Joe Location: New Mexico Watch: Explorer Posts: 12,753	Yep, 1016 perfect classic. No fiddly bezels... __________________ It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy. -TRF Member 6982-

10 April 2012, 05:45 AM	#15
Gugnunc "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Philip Bowes Location: England Watch: 5500 Exp & 114270 Posts: 154	Just a quick final thought; IF the dial of a 5500 Exp. is original then it will no longer be readable in the dark and the hands WILL show light corrosion where they come into contact with the lume, not necessarily enough to be unsightly but clearly visible under magnification. Working lume and pristine hands = redial = half the value of a true original. __________________ At the end of the game the pawn and the king go back into the same box.

10 April 2012, 10:32 AM	#17
joe100 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Joe Location: New Mexico Watch: Explorer Posts: 12,753	Hey Gugnunc, I agree there about the lime but I think worse yet are the original dials in an AK case. Those are the real spooky ones. I contacted Rolex SA about my 5500 as I had some questions and the very kind reply came today. Thankfully it confirmed some questions I had but it also contradicted the chart we use for dating via serial numbers. I know it's only approximate but Rolex must keep a pretty detailed list of what was made and when compared to our commonly accepted serial number database. Very friendly people over at the main office in Switzerland. My point is if I had to have a 5500exp I'd have to have Rolex themselves vet it first. You run into age problems but I'd be willing to pay if they'd only just verify it at the RSC __________________ It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy. -TRF Member 6982-

10 April 2012, 01:13 PM	#18
harry in montreal "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Montreal Watch: The Habs pick 1st! Posts: 3,589	i would put the cash down on the watch in the middle of that photo in a heartbeat. that thing is so spooky and patina'ed... you cant fake that! what a beauty.

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