Vintage Rolex 5500 Explorer for Sale in Sydney
The Rolex Explorer 5500 is among the most sought-after watches by collectors anywhere in the world. Although it isn’t a chronometer-certified watch, the reference 5500 has a special place in Rolex sport watch history. The vintage Rolex 5500 made between the 1950’s and 60’s was a departure for the traditional “Air-King”, one which saw Rolex add the iconic 3-6-9 5500 Explorer dial. This curious decision among other traits makes the Rolex Explorer 5500 a must have for the discerning collector.
Rolex 5500 Super Precision
The Rolex Explorer 5500 is an elegant combination of both the Air-King and Explorer watch lines. Released in 1957 as part of the Air-King lineage, with this vintage watch release you could choose either the Explorer or Air-King dial. This is the reason the Rolex 5500 Explorer watch is often called the Rolex reference 5500 or Air-King 5500 as opposed to the Explorer 5500. Though the Air-King Rolex 5500 dial is popular and certainly holds its value, collectors often seek out the Rolex Air-King 5500 Explorer dial for both its look and rarity.
Pre-owned Rolex Explorer 5500 Watches
If you are looking for a Rolex 5500 Explorer for sale, Kalmar Antiques is the trusted source for collectors across Australia. We frequently carry the Rolex 5500 Air-King and are always on the lookout for the Rolex 5500 Explorer dial among other rare collectors’ timepieces. If you are a serious collector, then you have certainly found yourself in the right place. Our team works tirelessly to make sure you have the best options for the Rolex Air-King ref. 5500, and all of our reference 5500 watches come freshly serviced with our full guarantee.
Vintage Reference 5500 for Sale
At Kalmar Antiques we specialise in acquiring only the finest collectors time pieces including the Rolex Explorer 5500. Whether you are in search of a Rolex Air-King 5500 Explorer dial or simply a vintage Rolex 5500 with the Air-King dial, we have the watch you are looking for. Every Rolex Explorer 5500 we sell has been thoroughly serviced by our in-house horologist (Lorenzo Del Rosso) and inspected by our gemmologist (Damien Kalmar FGAA Dip Dt.) to ensure only the highest standards of quality.
Rare Rolex Air-King 5500 Explorer Dial
We understand the importance collectors place in securing the right dial for their reference 5500. It needs to suit your taste and personality perfectly. For some the original Air-King is plenty enough, but for the discerning collector, a Rolex Air-King 5500 Explorer dial is a must have. Our team is always on the lookout for unique Rolex Explorer 5500 timepieces and adding them to our collection of offerings. Keep up to date with our findings and don’t miss out on the perfect Reference 5500 for you! If it is on our website, we have it in stock at our Sydney showroom.
Rolex 5500 Explorer Dial and Reference 5500 Rolex FAQ
What is the Rolex Explorer 5500?
The Rolex Explorer 5500 is a model in the famous Air-King line released in 1957. Though it is technically an Air-King, it also offers the 5500 Explorer dial with the iconic 3-6-9 display. The Rolex Air-King 5500 Explorer dial is considered rare and is highly sought after by collectors.
Is there a history that makes the Rolex Air-King 5500 Explorer dial so famous?
The Rolex Explorer 5500 ties together two iconic watch lines with the Air-King being the flagship sport watch with a smaller casing and the Explorer being the quintessential watch for adventure. Rolex only produced this watch from 1957 to 1960 and released fewer reference 5500 watches with the Explorer 5500 dial, making it a must-have among collectors.
Is Rolex Explorer 5500 authentication possible in Sydney?
Like most watches, the serial number on a Rolex Explorer 5500 needs to match the production dates for the watch. This is a common way to catch a fake, but certainly far from full proof. The best way to authenticate a Rolex Explorer 5500 Super Precision or Precision watch is bringing it to a certified vintage Rolex dealer, such as Kalmar Antiques where our in-house horologist certifies all watches we offer and can provide repair and servicing assistance if required.
Does the reference 5500 have dial variations?
Yes. The reference 5500 could be purchased with either the regular Air-King dial with regular markers or the rarer Rolex Air-King 5500 Explorer dial with its iconic 3-6-9 number markings. The latter is by far the more popular amongst collectors worldwide making pre-owned Rolex Explorer 5500 watches an often sought after investment piece.
Is a vintage reference 5500 a good investment?
This is not financial advice. However, pre-owned Rolex Explorer 5500 watches of all generations, including older vintage reference 5500 options, are considered solid investment opportunities by the luxury watch collector community and the ref. 5500 is sought after across the world. Though the Rolex Air-King 5500 dial will certainly hold value if taken care of properly, the iconic Rolex Explorer 5500 dial is rarer and more valuable.
Why is the Rolex Air-King 5500 Explorer dial unique?
For one, the Rolex Air-King 5500 Explorer dial was a limited release spanning from 1957-58 through 1967. The Rolex Air-King 5500 continued to be produced until 1989, making it more commercially available. The smaller casing of the Air-King coupled with the iconic Explorer 3-6-9 configuration is another factor driving its collectability.
