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1962 Rolex Explorer Ref. 5501 Vintage Mens Watch - Stainless Steel & 14K Gold

Name: 1962 Rolex Explorer Ref. 5501 Vintage Mens Watch - Stainless Steel & 14K Gold
Brand: Rolex
Price: 7492.96 CHF
Availability: InStock

$9,119

£6,962.11

€7,974.05

CA$12,775.68

A$14,284.77

CHF 7,492.96

MX$173,022.88

NOK 94,583.87

SEK 89,358.91

DKK 59,518.41

About the Item

NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating. 1962 ROLEX EXPLORER Ref. 5501 Vintage Mens Watch - Stainless Steel & 14K Gold Rare Explorer Reference - Original - 1 Year Warranty Among the rarest and most charming offshoots of the Rolex Explorer line is the so-called "Dress Explorer"—a term collectors have affectionately given to the Ref. 5501. There’s something inherently captivating about the name “Explorer.” It evokes rugged cliffs, alpine wind, and the thrill of charting the unknown. Rolex didn’t just name a watch this—they earned it. The Explorer was born from Rolex’s deep involvement with real-world exploration. In 1953, when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Mount Everest, they did so with Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches strapped to their wrists. Their watches were very similar to this model. That moment wasn’t just a marketing milestone—it was the birth of a legend. The watches survived the ice, altitude, and brutal cold, proving Rolex’s Oyster case and Perpetual movement weren’t just for show. Later that year, Rolex launched the Explorer, a model designed to carry the spirit of human achievement on the wrist. This very rare ref. 5501 model is believed to have been only for the Canadian market, and only in the early 1960s, where Rolex was experimenting with unique dial configurations and region-specific offerings. It combines the technical prowess of a true Oyster Perpetual with the elegant design cues of a Datejust - all while Rolex through their Explorer marketing was trying to maintain the spirit of the original Explorer - hence the name collectors have given it, the "Dress Explorer." It’s a particularly seldom seen variant: the Ref. 5501. A unique blend of rugged utility and quiet elegance, this reference combines the iconic Explorer dial with the warmth of a gold fluted bezel and riveted Oyster bracelet. It’s a hybrid watch that feels just as ready for a Himalayan basecamp as it does a candlelit dinner. It presents in pleasing condition. Its case presents in excellent condition with only light signs of previous polishing. The engine turning on the bezel still retains much of its detail. Its rare smoky gray original "Explorer" signed dial is original and untouched. It is very honest with a light tropical look. Our photos couldn't do justice to its details. Its period correct Rolex Oyster "rivet" bracelet is just short of mint with only light signs of previous polishing and virtually no stretch. One of our Master Watchmakers, who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker, has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components with genuine Rolex parts, installing a new correct mainspring and crystal, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $995 value). We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping time on par with a new Rolex in our testing. For the finishing touch, we have meticulously detailed it making it ready for immediate enjoyment. This Rolex Explorer Ref. 5501 isn’t just rare—it’s evocative. It speaks to a time when Rolex was building tools for the edge of the world, but also trying to do it with unmistakable elegance. The gold fluted bezel adds a quiet flash to the wrist; the Explorer dial whispers of summits reached and boundaries pushed. If you’re looking for a vintage Rolex with a story that’s both adventurous and refined, this is your watch. Detailed Appraisal: Manufacturer: Rolex Country of origin: Switzerland, made for the Canadian market Model: Ref. 5501, Oyster Perpetual Explorer Case no.: 846,380 Year made: Case back is date stamped the 2nd quarter of 1962 Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds, Automatic Designed for: Men Case material: Stainless steel and 14K gold Case condition: Presents in excellent condition with only light signs of previous polishing. Dimensions: 34mm diameter, 12mm thick Dial: Smoky gray with applied gold baton indexes, luminous hour dots, outer minute track, signed Rolex Explorer, original and untouched with slight tropical look Our photos couldn't do justice to its details. Hands: Original, gold, luminous "alphas" Movement type: Rolex cal. 1530, self-winding, rhodium-plated, 25 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance spring Jewels: 25 rubies Band: Period correct Rolex Oyster "rivet" bracelet ref. 7205 with correct 6 end links, stamped 4/70, adjustable through the clasp, sized to fit a wrist up to approx. 7.75 inches on largest setting, just short of mint with virtually no stretch Width between lugs: 19mm Crystal type: Acrylic, mint condition Serviced: One of our Master Watchmakers, who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker, has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components with genuine Rolex parts, installing a new mainspring, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $995 value). Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping time on par with a new Rolex in our testing. Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please message us for details. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. As mentioned, one used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center. Box/Papers: BOX - Watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate SKU 10093SH

Creator:

Rolex

Case Material:

14k Gold,Stainless Steel

Strap Material:

Stainless Steel

Case Shape:

Round

Movement:

Case Dimensions:

Diameter: 1.34 in (34 mm)

Place of Origin:

Switzerland

Period:

1960-1969

Date of Manufacture:

1962

Condition:

Its case presents in excellent condition with only light signs of previous polishing. Its rare smoky gray original "Explorer" signed dial is original and untouched. It is very honest with a light tropical look.

Seller Location:

Suwanee, GA

Reference Number:

Seller: 10093SH1stDibs: LU4333226982912

Shop All Rolex

Rolex

While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.

Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.

But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.

But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.

Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.

The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.

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