5500 Explorer "Facts" (?) and Myths

[HERITAGE82]

Fantastic Thread Guys... Keep it coming!!

[Gugnunc]

Never thought I'd see this old thread surface again. The problem with converting an Air King to a 5500 Explorer (and if done well it should be almost impossible to tell it from an original Exp.) is not that you would at some time try to pass it off as an original, but that one or two steps down the line somebody else will. It's a bit of a difficult ethical question but my own opinion is that it is better and more honest not to do the conversion; anyway - why would you want to do so? The Air King has a long and honourable history with its connections stretching back to the pilots of world war II.
Picking up an earlier part of this thread, my AD was able to confirm that my own watch (super precision) has a movement clearly marked 1530 and was made in IV/63.

[James 45]

I seen a model 1002, serial 691xxx, done over like an Explorer. It sold for around $1600 on ebay. I was thinking I would buy one for that much. What do you think?

[James 45]

Just to add it was done as a 1016 if that makes a difference. I would not know myself??

[adam78]

Originally Posted by James 45

Just to add it was done as a 1016 if that makes a difference. I would not know myself??

The 1002 and 5500 are 34mm, the 1016 36mm. How could it be done as a 1016 if they are different sizes and the case ref. number is clearly marked between the lugs and (hopefully) inner case back?

[James 45]

There you have it something else I did not not know. This is the ebay number maybe have a look and tell us what you find. Ebay #180773907283
I was sad when it sold while I was trying to get info on it.
Now that I have reread the add it does not say 1016 it just says 1961 style Explorer.
I just thought it was a 1016. I have just found out there is such a thing and I like it!!
What do you think is that watch worth $1600??
Thanks
New to this

[marcello pisani]

a 5500 from the end of the 50s with a dial you can see very seldom :



the inside circle had a silver ( non satinated ) glossy finish , the outside circle had a matt light grey finish.

[adam78]

Originally Posted by James 45

There you have it something else I did not not know. This is the ebay number maybe have a look and tell us what you find. Ebay #180773907283
I was sad when it sold while I was trying to get info on it.
Now that I have reread the add it does not say 1016 it just says 1961 style Explorer.
I just thought it was a 1016. I have just found out there is such a thing and I like it!!
What do you think is that watch worth $1600??
Thanks
New to this

Aha. That's a totally incorrect combination of dial and case. The 1002 was the chronometer-rated analog to the Air-King 5500, and was usually fitted with an unremarkable silver or (perhaps) black dial with arrow (later stick) markers, never with an Explorer dial (at least the seller is honest and mentions this was redone). It is really only worth its component parts (case and movement), which are likely together worth less than the asking price. Not worth the trouble and expense IMO. Better to save up and buy a real 1016 (always look for the best example you can for the money you can spend), as the genuine ref. 5500 Explorers are pretty scarce.

[James 45]

Thanks adam.
My next thought was toward a 14270 it is real at least. The price was $2850
In good shape. Do you think I could get a 1016 for that much?

[adam78]

Pre-hacking matte dial 1016 (1967-70) should be in the 3500-4000 range. The later (hacking movement) ones are a little bit more; the earlier gilt dial ones can be quite a bit more.

[James 45]

Ok Thanks for your help Adam. I will see what comes along.
Happy Holidays

[Gugnunc]

As this thread has now been thoroughly disinterred, I will try re-asking one of the questions which inaugerated the whole thing last year: does anybody know for certain what was the production span of the 5500 Explorer? I THINK that it ended in 1968 and that anything which purports to be later than that is a re-done Air-king, but I am not 100% certain;can anybody who is an Explorer expert help?

[The Hobbyist]

Selling my old 5500 Explorer 1 and came across this thread doing some homework

Heres a pic of mine :)

[Hi-roller]

I'm fascinated with this thread. What do you guys make of this dial? Supposedly 1971 watch with 1002 on the inside case back and 1520 movement.

[joe100]

Big no hi-roller.

The 5500s Explorers I've see have case backs marked as such, with 5500 AKs, only the early ones tend to have 5500 marked case backs.

Now here is a biggie: if it says "Super Precision on the dial, it will have a cal 1530 movement, not a 1520. If it says Precision on the dial only, it'll have a cal 1520

All this and the fact that's a fake dial.

Here is my take on the 5500: if my own mother had one for sale, with the original receipt, box, papers, tags, I probably still wouldn't buy it

[Hi-roller]

Thanks Joe, I agree but it's fun doing the research!

[cardiel]

Loving this thread guys, thank you for sharing the knowledge. I'm digging the uncertainty & mystery surrounding the 5500 - I think I'm developing an itch.

[joe100]

Originally Posted by cardiel

Loving this thread guys, thank you for sharing the knowledge. I'm digging the uncertainty & mystery surrounding the 5500 - I think I'm developing an itch.

Yeah? Well look at something else and get a different itch. Or at the very least, before you spend any money, show us the watch first. A 1016 is a better prospect.

[cardiel]

Yeah? Well look at something else and get a different itch. Or at the very least, before you spend any money, show us the watch first. A 1016 is a better prospect.

makes me want one even more! You must admit the hunt for something we desire is probably the most interesting part of the journey. Once its in your hand, or in this case on your wrist, and the desire has been satisfied, the journey is over - the itch has been scratched. Why else do people buy / sell / collect? Because we love the chase.

[dhfyh]

Crombie, I am learning fast thanks to you lot! But it is a frustrating journey indeed

[Birky101]

This is my pride and joy

[cardiel]

Just saw an incredible guilt dial 5500 Explorer at my local jewellery store. The vendor tells me he he acquired it direct from the former owner's family and that he is certain it is the real deal. The dial is incredible! But unfortunately out of my price range. Is this model appreciating in value? Or does the uncertainty regarding this particular model affect its value?

[Toronto Soup King]

Originally Posted by cardiel

The vendor tells me he he acquired it direct from the former owner's family and that he is certain it is the real deal.

Certainty from a regular jeweler doesn't translate to a high price if you try and resell and find it's a franken. I'd be very careful

[cardiel]

The jeweller is a reputable watch guy - I should have asked to take a photo so that we could discuss further - am eager to learn!

[GiltGloss]

Just to throw a little more info into this thread.

I have a Super Precision 5500 Explorer with a gloss dial, gilt print, T<25 on both sides and in line with the Swiss at 6 o'clock, Super Precision is on a single line with a short underline below. Have never had the back off so unsure of the movement, has original 6635 bracelet. Case has 1026xxx serial but unsure of the production date, bracelet clasp is stamped 1 over 65 which may help date the watch.

Pretty sure that it is all original, bought privately 15 years ago, will post a picture when I get a chance.

[joe100]

Originally Posted by GiltGloss

Just to throw a little more info into this thread.

I have a Super Precision 5500 Explorer with a gloss dial, gilt print, T<25 on both sides and in line with the Swiss at 6 o'clock, Super Precision is on a single line with a short underline below. Have never had the back off so unsure of the movement, has original 6635 bracelet. Case has 1026xxx serial but unsure of the production date, bracelet clasp is stamped 1 over 65 which may help date the watch.

Pretty sure that it is all original, bought privately 15 years ago, will post a picture when I get a chance.

Please do

[woodmansee]

Here is another one...

[acf321]

Hi There,


My first post on TRF. Fascinating thread here so let me tell you about my new toy.

Just bought my first vintage roller (my daily is a 1998 Sub date steel). Bought a 1958 explorer 5500 super precision with 28 jewels and 1530 movement. The watch dial has been repainted, but the price was reflective of this. Number is 420xxx, and it came with leather band. I have just bought and oyster 6635 rivet band to reinstate it to original delivery spec. Despite repainted dial, it is the original dial and the watch came with has box and papers. Watch was delivered new in February 1960, i think in Hong Kong. Watch is not in my possession yet so more details and pics once it arrives.

I am keen on finding the besr dial repair place so as to get an opinion on the dial.

I cant get a photo on here yet, but will.

Watch is in pristine condition. Dial does not have the t>25 markings as later ones do, and the 'swiss' word is below the outer minute ring (as opposed to within it or above it).

Keen to hear your thoughts on this. I am absolutely certain this is a genuine explorer.

Cheers,

Adam

[scotrick]

Would like to see it when you get it back, i have a few of these (5500 and 5501) I am keen on but no explorer dials.

Regards,
Rick

[GiltGloss]

Ok, I know it has been 8 months but here is the pic of mine...

Looking at the recent results from Phillips Geneva Auction in May someone else seems to rather fancy these...

https://www.phillips.com/detail/ROLEX/CH080116/102

That has me thinking....