Rolex Explorer gp oyster perpetyal

[spadinasteve]

I am looking for any info pertaining to This watch , It has a unique face which is two tone gold on dark blue (center)

[leopardprey]

THe Explorer 1 is only made one way, and that is Black Face and Stainless Steel.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by leopardprey

THe Explorer 1 is only made one way, and that is Black Face and Stainless Steel.

Sorry not correct there are many vintage variations of the Explorer, TT, gold capped etc.

Originally Posted by spadinasteve

I am looking for any info pertaining to This watch , It has a unique face which is two tone gold on dark blue (center)

During the early days of the Explorer, Rolex was unsure of the model's potential. As a result the name was affixed to a number of watches not immediately recognisable as Explorers. Today the name and the look are so intimately entwined it seems ridiculous to apply the name to watches which were so obviously not what we would call Explorers. But it happened, and the results are some of the rarest Explorer models known. There were two distinct variations on the theme and they seem to have been aimed at two distinct markets. The first was the so-called "Air-King" Explorer. This was an Explorer bearing the 5500 model number usually applied to the Air-King, but with an Explorer dial that is marked "Precision" rather than the "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" we would expect to see.

The second variation on the theme are "dress Explorers." These are standard Oyster Perpetuals in steel or gold with white (or more rarely, black) non-Explorer dials featuring gold markers and hands, but signed "Explorer" on the dials. Seen in both date and non-date forms, these watches all seem to have been sold in the North American market.The 1016 Explorer was the longest running of all the models, being in production from 1963 right through to 1989.The 1016 also exists with another name on the dial: "Space Dweller." The model was first introduced into the Japanese market in 1963, just after a visit to Japan by the Mercury astronauts.

Below is a picture of a 60s Ref 5501 TT Rolex Explorer cal 1530 movement

[leopardprey]

Thanks Padi for the info! I was referring to current the current Explorer 1 model, as I was afraid our poster was looking at a fake maybe on Ebay.

Man, I would love to have one of those "non-standard" Rolex Explorers!

Nice Photo!!