Skip to product information
Rolex Explorer 5500
Rolex Explorer 5500
https://youtu.be/3whaZPviGJQ?autoplay=0&controls=1&showinfo=0&loop=1&modestbranding=1&rel=0
Rolex Explorer 5500
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

Rolex Explorer 5500

  • This Rolex Explorer Ref. 5500 embodies the spirit of adventure and functional design
  • The stainless steel wristwatch displays the iconic 3/6/9 gilt dial with a triangle at 12 o’clock
  • The Explorer honors the first documented Everest ascent, where Rolex watches were worn
  • Crafted between 1971 and 1972
  • Get complete item description here
$19,200
Item No. 32-1164

To speak to one of our experts, call 1-888-711-8084

Description
This Rolex Explorer Ref. 5500 embodies the spirit of adventure and functional design. Crafted between 1971 and 1972, this stainless steel wristwatch displays the iconic 3/6/9 gilt dial, marked “Precision.” A triangle at the 12 o’clock position and clean hour markers, all with beautifully patinaed lume, complete the design. Produced for only a brief period, the Ref. 5500 is a rare and highly sought-after variant showcasing the iconic Mercedes hands and a case design inspired. . .
Read More
This Rolex Explorer Ref. 5500 embodies the spirit of adventure and functional design. Crafted between 1971 and 1972, this stainless steel wristwatch displays the iconic 3/6/9 gilt dial, marked “Precision.” A triangle at the 12 o’clock position and clean hour markers, all with beautifully patinaed lume, complete the design. Produced for only a brief period, the Ref. 5500 is a rare and highly sought-after variant showcasing the iconic Mercedes hands and a case design inspired by the classic Rolex Air-King, setting it apart from other Explorer models. Waterproofed by Rolex and powered by the reliable Calibre 1520 automatic movement with 26 jewels, this Explorer is both a styling achievement and a mechanical workhorse. The watch comes complete with its stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and Oysterlock clasp, along with its service card.

Created in the wake of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s legendary 1953 ascent of Mount Everest while wearing Rolex Oyster Perpetuals, the Explorer was born to commemorate human triumph. Derived from the Oyster Perpetual lineage, it is a celebration of precision engineering and purposeful form.

Circa 1971-72

Case: 34mm
Read Less
Rolex Explorer 5500
Maker: Rolex
Period: 20th Century
Origin: Switzerland
Type: Wristwatches
Style: Modern
Rolex Explorer 5500
Jewelry Watch Guide

    You may have worn a watch for years, but if you’re not yet a connoisseur, understanding the finer details of its anatomy might be new territory. Join us as we dive...

Read More
Rolex Explorer 5500
Rolex: The Evolution of Horological Excellence

Few brands in the world of luxury timepieces command the respect and admiration that Rolex has earned over its storied history. From the wrists of world leaders and fictional British Secret Service agents...

Read More
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

Our philosophy has always been to offer clients only the very finest antiques, works of art and jewelry, and to back every transaction with the highest level of customer service. Earning your trust and delivering only the very best pieces is our top priority.

-Bill Rau, Third-Generation Owner

Fine Art

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private. . .

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

Our experienced fine art consultants offer personalized and confidential fine art consultation services to all clients. Whether you are looking to begin collecting art, grow an existing collection, or redefine your collecting strategy, M.S. Rau can support you on this journey.

Jewelry

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses. . .

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

Antiques

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

Whether you are just starting your collection, adding to an existing collection or even decorating your home, our team’s knowledge and experience can assist you in your endeavor. We have services and procedures in place to make your acquisition process both enjoyable and efficient.