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View full screen - View 1 of Lot 410. Explorer Oyster Perpetual, reference 5501     Montre bracelet en acier |  Stainless steel wristwatch    Vers 1960 |  Circa 1960.

Rolex

Explorer Oyster Perpetual, reference 5501 Montre bracelet en acier | Stainless steel wristwatch Vers 1960 | Circa 1960

Lot Closed

September 29, 12:01 PM GMT

Estimate

4,000 - 6,000 EUR

Lot Details

Description

Rolex


Explorer Oyster Perpetual, reference 5501

 

Montre bracelet en acier |

Stainless steel wristwatch


Vers 1960 |

Circa 1960


Cadran: nid d'abeille crème

Calibre: cal. 1530 automatique, 25 rubis

Boîtier: acier, fond vissé

Numéro de boîtier: 643'650

Fermoir: bracelet associé en cuir et boucle ardillon en acier

Dimensions: 34 mm

Signé: boîtier, cadran et mouvement                                                                    

Ecrin: non

Papiers: non

Accessoires: aucun

 

Dial: honeycomb cream

Calibre: cal. 1530 automatic, 25 jewels 

Case: stainless steel, screw-down case back 

Case number: 643'650

Closure: associated leather strap and stainless steel pin buckle

Size: 34 mm diameter

Signed: case, dial and movement 

Box: no

Papers: no

Accessories: none

 

Poids brut 48.40 g |

Gross weight 48.40 g

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 5501 is part of the Air King family that was introduced in 1945, alongside the Datejust as part of the celebration of the brand's 40th anniversary.

Shortly after the introduction of the 5500 in 1957, Rolex launched additional references and most noteworthy the 5501.

For both reference, besides the usual Air King dial, Rolex fitted some pieces with Explorer dials.

These watches were produced just a few years after the Mount Everest was conquered by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953.

The expedition was supported by Rolex as they equipped several members of the expedition with their watches.

Rolex was eager to use this incredible achievement as part of their marketing campaign in the press as well as on the dial of their watches by using the 'Explorer' name.

With its 34mm diameter, the model was the perfect elegant alternative to the wider known 36mm Reference 1016 that was launched in 1959. The calibre 1020 and 1030 Precision and Super Precision, as indicated on the dial at 6 o'clock, were a very reliable alternative option to the Chronometer rated 1070.

This piece has a most attractive and sought-after honeycomb dial. Only a small portion of the 5501 were fitted with these and even less combining it with the Explorer denomination. The vast majority of the pieces with this Reference that have survived have standard Air King dials, making this lot a great discovery. These honeycomb dials were typically made in the 1950's and equipped several models, including sport ones like the first Submariner watches for example. This characteristic dramatically boosts the collectible appeal of the piece as it increases the vintage feel of the watch. This 'Swiss only 'dial further has a captivating warm cream tone and has gilt indexes and hands. In order to enhance the sport spirit of the watch, the previous owner smartly decided to fit a sleek bezel instead of the gold ribbed one.

The combination of the Explorer honeycomb dial with gilt indexes and the full stainless steel case confers the watch a wonderful and striking effect.

It is a great opportunity for a collector looking for a vintage Rolex with a special dial and a lot of character.