The Explorer is often considered the original Rolex sports watch. Created in 1953, the year Sir Edmund Hilary and his party became the first people to ever to summit Mt. Everest, the Rolex Explorer embodies the qualities sought after by true adventure seekers in a wristwatch: minimalist design, precision, and sturdiness.

It is a clean, unpretentious Rolex that possesses simple elegance. In certain regards, it and the Rolex Milgauss, are Rolex's truest tool watches.

One of the early collectable Explorers was the ref. 5500, which was also the smallest version, measuring 34mm. It and the Air-King of the same reference shared the same construction except for the hands and the painting of the dial. Today they command a price into low five figures.

Today's offering showcases this ref. 5500 Explorer Tribute. While I'm not usually a fan of tribute watches, this one is different - the quality is exceptional.

The dial is the original dial custom refinished in a tribute to the Explorer. All of the parts themselves are from the original, plain ref. 5500 Rolex with the exception of the hands, which are replacements to complete the Explorer tribute.

It has just finished a true expertly done restoration and customization and presents in gorgeous condition. It presents as a 9.7 out of 10!

Powering the watch is its original Rolex Caliber 1520 automatic movement.

Its case presents as mint with previous signs of polishing. Its Rolex dial has been meticulously custom refinished - the printing could pass as Rolex factory done to the naked eye.

As part of the restoration, it has just been freshly overhauled by a Master Watchmaker (a $695 value). It is running strong and true.

For the finishing touch, we have meticulously detailed it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year international warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

A ref. 5500 Rolex Explorer tribute for 1/3 the price of a nice original one!

Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.

The pictures are of the actual watch for sale.

We offer shipping the next business day to over 100 countries. In addition, we offer a no hassle money back guarantee if you don't absolutely love it, so there's no risk to you!

You have many stores to choose from - thank you so much for choosing Connoisseur of Time, known for offering only the highest-grade fine watches like Rolex and Cartier with exceptional service for over 17 years.

100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price. Our goal is to exceed your expectations throughout the buying experience. View our reviews and shop with confidence.

• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Maker: Rolex
• Serial no.: 3,579,822
• Year made: c. 1974
• Model: Ref. 5500, Air-King made into a tribute Explorer
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Case condition: Presents as mint
• Dial: Black, Explorer luminous painted baton indexes with luminous Arabic numbers at the primary hours, signed Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer Precision, outer minute/second division, original Rolex dial custom sympathetically refinished in a the Explorer style
• Dimensions: 34mm diameter,12mm thickness
• Hands (2 sets): 1. Replacement, luminous steel "Mercedes style" in tribute to the Explorer 2. The watch's original steel batons hands.
• Movement type: Rolex automatic, cal.1520, rhodium-plated, oeil-de-perdrix decoration, 26 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures and 5 positions, shock absorber, self-compensating free-sprung flat balance spring
• Band: Rolex Oyster bracelet, later period, sized to fit a wrist up to slightly under 8 inches, presents as just short of mint
• Width between lugs: 19mm
• Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
• Serviced: Yes, it has just been freshly overhauled by a Master Watchmaker (a $695 value).
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running very strong and true.
• Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please message us for details. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide