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goodtrader · 24 March 2015, 03:24 AM

What do you guys think about the Explorer 5500 from the early 70s? I think the case is typically 34mm (36mm ?) with black matted dial.... I see them going for $2k to $3k. They seem undervalued to me, but would love to hear everyone's thoughts... thanks!

adam78 · 24 March 2015, 05:42 AM

Be aware that the majority of "Explorer" 5500s have refinished or aftermarket dials. True examples date from about a decade earlier than the '70s AFAIK. The 5500 indeed has a 34mm case size. Most genuine ones I've seen have gilt dials.

goodtrader · 24 March 2015, 05:51 AM

that explains why they seem inexpensive... thanks Adam1!

The_Walrus · 24 March 2015, 05:37 PM

I've owned one, indeed 34 mm.
Some authentic pieces available but many fakes.

joe100 · 26 March 2015, 12:22 PM

Even if it was offered to me by my own mother and she had the original reciept, I'd still say no. So many frankenstiens and outright fakes

Sorta like the guy recently who tried to sell a gilt AK SP dial 5500 with a cal 1520 movement. All or most of the parts were cobbled together from other watches. It would have been fine, if he hadn't been asking thousands more than it was worth.

It's all in the details and you have to know exactly what to look for.

24 March 2015, 03:24 AM	#1
goodtrader "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: New York City Posts: 57	Vintage Explorer 5500 What do you guys think about the Explorer 5500 from the early 70s? I think the case is typically 34mm (36mm ?) with black matted dial.... I see them going for $2k to $3k. They seem undervalued to me, but would love to hear everyone's thoughts... thanks!

24 March 2015, 05:42 AM	#2
adam78 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,830	Be aware that the majority of "Explorer" 5500s have refinished or aftermarket dials. True examples date from about a decade earlier than the '70s AFAIK. The 5500 indeed has a 34mm case size. Most genuine ones I've seen have gilt dials. __________________ Cheers, Adam

26 March 2015, 12:22 PM	#5
joe100 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Joe Location: New Mexico Watch: Explorer Posts: 12,840	Even if it was offered to me by my own mother and she had the original reciept, I'd still say no. So many frankenstiens and outright fakes Sorta like the guy recently who tried to sell a gilt AK SP dial 5500 with a cal 1520 movement. All or most of the parts were cobbled together from other watches. It would have been fine, if he hadn't been asking thousands more than it was worth. It's all in the details and you have to know exactly what to look for. __________________ It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy. -TRF Member 6982-

24 March 2015, 05:51 AM	#3
goodtrader "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: New York City Posts: 57	that explains why they seem inexpensive... thanks Adam1!

24 March 2015, 05:37 PM	#4
The_Walrus "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Real Name: George Location: Sydney Watch: 5513 Posts: 1,104	I've owned one, indeed 34 mm. Some authentic pieces available but many fakes.

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