Rolex

• cal. 1520 nickel lever movement, 26 jewels, mono-metallic compensation balance • black dial, aged triangular, baton and Arabic luminescent numerals, gilt printing, unusual red 'T' within a circle, luminescent Mercedes-style hands, sweep center seconds • tonneau water-resistant-type case with screw-down back, screw-down crown, smooth bezel • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet

The movement is running, however we recommend service soon. The central plate is scratched from the rotor, and is numbered D28358. The dial overall has a nice look. The gilt printing is clear and the black background appears to be slightly rubbed in spots, but overall nice. The red T within a circle appears to be red paint over a white background. The luminescent paint to the numerals is aged and dirty. The hands are most-likely not the original hands. The case is generally rather rubbed and scuffed, particularly to the back. This, however, gives it a nice overall and worn look. The numbers between the lugs are rubbed and rather obscured, however the serial number appears to begin with 57 and the other number is 5500. The inside of the case is numbered 5500 and IV.60. The bracelet is worn and stamped 4 58 and the ends are stamped 60.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Rolex launched the Explorer Ref. 5500 in the late 1950s as a variation on the Air King model with the same reference number. The case on this watch is two millimeters smaller than the other Explorer of the time, Ref. 6610 and the lug gauge is 19 millimeters wide rather than 20 millimeters on the other model.

The present example is extremely unusual as the dial features a red 'T' within a circle. This symbol is similar to the one found on Military Submariner models made for the British military, which indicates the use of the radioactive tritium in the luminescent paint of the numerals.

It is unclear why this Explorer would feature such an indication on dial as almost every other example known does not have this. It is interesting to note that during this period, at the end of the 1950s, Rolex was experimenting with red printing on dials for model names and depth ratings. It can be assumed that this dial might have been a prototype tested by Rolex but never put into general production.