Vintage Rolex Explorer Super Precision Underline Dial 5500

About the Item

A vintage Rolex Explorer in stainless steel. Featuring a black gilt dial with arabic numbers, a distinctive 'super precision' underlined at 6 o'clock and a steel bezel. The watch is fitted with a plastic glass, a self-winding automatic movement and a generic brown leather strap equipped with a steel pin buckle. In excellent condition, this timepiece comes with our own presentation box, our one-year warranty and guaranteed authenticity.

Creator:
Rolex
Design:
Explorer I WatchExplorer Collection
Case Material:
Stainless Steel
Case Shape:
Round
Case Dimensions:
Diameter: 1.34 in (34 mm)
Place of Origin:
Switzerland
Period:
Late 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1966
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: 050623011stDibs: LU607319486172
View Invoice

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.

Find vintage Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.