1958 Rolex Explorer 5500 - Bracelet!?

[drockromero1977]

Hi everyone, the latest purchase was a 1958 Rolex Explorer 5500 totally overhauled by Rolex.

I love the NATO strap, but own others with the same. I'm wondering how darn near impossible it is to find an original Rolex bracelet that could go with this watch?

Where do I even begin? Any advice is greatly appreciated! CHEERS.

[speedolex]

Beautiful watch, congrats.

Is that a 34mm case with 19mm lugs? I believe it is, so you'd be looking for a vintage, riveted 19mm 6635 Rolex Oyster bracelet, some are shown on your watch here:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=382590

[Base-Z]

Great looking watch.

[drockromero1977]

Thank you! Yes, those are the right sizes. Now the search begins!

[speedolex]

Originally Posted by drockromero1977

Thank you! Yes, those are the right sizes. Now the search begins!

There's a nice one on the Bay if you have $4,000 burning a hole in your pocket.

You probably know you can get a non-riveted version of the bracelet circa 1980 at a fraction of the price if that's an option for you. I have a non-riveted model bracelet on my 1960 Explorer 1016 for just this reason. Still authentic, still vintage, but not emptying Fort Knox or being dainty with something so precious.

[Paul]

In the late 50s' many Rolex watches were still being sold on leather straps.
Fity years later, it can be a challenge to source a late 50s dated bracelet.

If you can chillax about the date, a later issue 19mm Rolex rivet bracelet can be sourced for about $300

[acf321]

Hi Drockromero,

Not sure what happened but I tried to respond here.

I had a 58 Explorer 5500 and sold it, but what I do have is a MINT 6635 19mm Rivet Rolex Oyster Bracelet from about 1962 I think.

There is almost no stretch, and I can only describe it as mint. I believe it is the exact bracelet you are looking for for your 1958 Explorer 5500 - as I had the exact same year model watch.

if you are interested in it, PM me as it just sits in a box in m cupboard and it belongs to the correct watch!

Cheers,

Adam
Sydney