34mm Explorer 5500
c. 1960–c. 19673 variants
An Air-King-cased 34 mm watch with a full Explorer dial — “Rolex / Oyster Perpetual / Explorer”, 3-6-9 numerals, Mercedes hands — but reading “Precision” or “Super Precision” instead of chronometer text. Made in small numbers in the 1960s; often faked by fitting Explorer dials to Air-King cases.
Years are taken from dated examples: case no. 570,xxx stamped IV.60 (Bonhams), I.63 (Smith & Singer), 971978 of 1963 and 1,026,242 of 1964 (Monaco Legend), and HODINKEE’s 1966–67 example.
Variants over time
All recorded years
19601969
196019651970
Faded ends mark approximate or unknown dates. Years are as stated by the cited sources.
Variants
Reference specifications
- Brand
- Rolex
- Model
- Explorer
- Reference
- 5500
- Category
- Field
- Production
- c. 1960–c. 1967
- Case material
- Stainless steel
- Case diameter
- 34 mm
- Crown guards
- None
More specifications (5)
- Chronometer
- No
- Date
- No
- Crystal
- Acrylic
- Movement
- Automatic