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danicica

Help with my gen 5500 Explorer (or Air King?)

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danicica

Couple weeks ago I got myself a nice Rolex 5500 Explorer from a seller on Chrono24. For the price I paid ($2000 without the bracelet), I was expecting it to be a redial and not a rare 5500 Explorer. Anyways, after receiving the watch I took it straight to the Rolex Service Centre for a checkup.

 

Turns out that Rolex thinks the 5500s never came with the Explorer dial so it should be reverted to the Air King precision dial and hands. Weird! This is not true, the 5500s did come with Explorer dials (between 1958 to 1967, according to Bob's Watches) so I don't understand why people at Rolex shouldn't know about this.

 

Other than that, Rolex said the watch is genuine, needs polishing and lubrication so I take it's in pretty good shape. I asked them about the dial and hands and they said "they appear to be gen" but it's impossible to know for sure. WTH?

 

The serial number of the watch is from 1959. Here are the pictures:

 

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a5ZkAZd.jpg

 

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And this is the watch featured at Bob's Watches - the logo, letter spacing, crown, marks, all looks exactly the same, so I am thinking my dial is gen and possibly the hands too.

 

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It's a big decision for me because the dial and hands are aftermarket I am considering returning the watch to the seller. Any thoughts?

 

Thanks!

Edited by danicica

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Moondustesp

Whats On the case back. I was told if it is 1002 it is an airking if it is 5500 it is an explorer.

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RepGuy

I have heard stories about Rolex replacing genuine parts from rare stock configurations claiming it was not original, but I can't find where I read it.

 

The bottom line is, even if the configuration is entirely genuine and stock for that model, if Rolex says it needs replaced, they are going to do it when you send it in. You could try speaking to corporate about it, but even if they agree to leave it as is when sent it, there's always the chance of a tech getting mixed up and replacing it anyway.

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danicica

Whats On the case back. I was told if it is 1002 it is an airking if it is 5500 it is an explorer.

 

Updated the post and added the back case picture. It's 1002, which is very common on 5500s.

So you say it's an Air King, it does not surprise me for the price I've paid I am still happy with it. Just wouldn't be as much if the dial was aftermarket. That's why I added the other URL for reference. It looks like a perfect match though I've seen many 5500 Explorer dials with slightly different details.

 

I have heard stories about Rolex replacing genuine parts from rare stock configurations claiming it was not original, but I can't find where I read it.

Yes I am aware of that. I have not approved the service and they returned the watch exactly as it was.

Edited by danicica

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lumbee

Explorers came woth 1002 casebacks as well as 5500 casebacks. When you say Rolex told you there were no 5500 Explorers, was that RSC or a Rolex dealer? If it was a dealer, bear this in mind...most dealers don't know squat! I have known of Rolex replacing explorer dials with AK dials in as well, claiming the Exp. dial wasn't original. The guy knew it was original because he bought it new from an authorized dealer.by the time he won the fight, Rolex had destroyed his Exp. fial (or so they daid).

If you really want it serviced, go with an independant watchmaker who has a Rolex parts account. Do NOT send it to RSC or let a dealer touch it!

 

Dave

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danicica

Explorers came woth 1002 casebacks as well as 5500 casebacks. When you say Rolex told you there were no 5500 Explorers, was that RSC or a Rolex dealer? If it was a dealer, bear this in mind...most dealers don't know squat! I have known of Rolex replacing explorer dials with AK dials in as well, claiming the Exp. dial wasn't original. The guy knew it was original because he bought it new from an authorized dealer.by the time he won the fight, Rolex had destroyed his Exp. fial (or so they daid).

If you really want it serviced, go with an independant watchmaker who has a Rolex parts account. Do NOT send it to RSC or let a dealer touch it!

 

Dave

 

It was RSC. They said 5500 never came with explorer dials, which is nonsense. I've heard stories of them changing 5500 Explorer dials to AK too, it hurts! I live in Sao Paulo, Brazil and I dont know any watchmakers who have Rolex parts account. Will ask around though. Thanks!

 

**Both watches above are redialed using Yuki dials. Case closed.

Edited by danicica

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