Bill
31977
Rolex Explorer Super Precision, 5500 ????
102
ROLEX
Explorer Super Precision, 5500, stamped 1002 inside the case back, Stainless steel, 196333mm. DiameterCalibre: Automatic, cal. 1530, 26 jewels
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Estimate CHF5,000 - 8,000 SOLD FOR CHF28,750
Ok this is a great example but five time the estimate what is the world coming to.
Clearly identifiable as an Explorer with its 3-6-9 dial, the present reference 5500 is a transformed Air King model. It is fitted with the Air King case measuring 33mm diameter whereas the Explorer case had a 36mm diameter, likely introduced by Rolex as an alternative destined to a younger audience looking for a more affordable watch.
The present lot is distinguished by its stunning and unusual glossy, lacquer dial. Preserved in immaculate condition, it features beautiful sunk gilt printing. Of particular interest to collectors is the presence of an “underline” along with the rarely seen double “–T<25” printing on both sides of the “SWISS” designation at 6 o’clock. Printed in silver on top of the dial at a later date, these inscriptions indicate the absence of radium on the indexes and hands. This watch is in overall very good condition and is fitted with a folded riveted Oyster bracelet, and offers fantastic value to the discerning collector.
Source:THE GENEVA WATCH AUCTION: THREEGENEVA AUCTION 15 MAY 2016
Rolex Explorer Super Precision 5500
Rolex Explorer Super Precision, 5500 ????
102 ROLEX Explorer Super Precision, 5500, stamped 1002 inside the case back, Stainless steel, 196333mm. Diameter Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1530, 26 jewels Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Estimate CHF5,000 - 8,000 SOLD FOR CHF28,750 Ok this is a gr...
Its simple.....
.....the bidding got this wrong. One way or another, this is just mis-information and hype.
I've only seen and heard of "Super Precision" on the dial of the 5504 Explorer (36 mm Ø)
I never saw a 5500 Explorers with other than "Precision" dials. Confusingly, the 5504 Explorer is also correct with just "Precision" on the dial as well.
Super Precision vs. Precision vs. blank
My understanding is that "Super Precision" denoted a 26 jewel movement (which was COSC capable but not certified) while "Precision" or blank/unmarked meant it had the lower grade 17 jewel movement.
Thank you Bill, I try to be useful ;-)
A far as the hammer price, there were clearly a couple people in the room that desperately wanted this and other Rolex pieces. This may be the nicest example of a 5500 Explorer (Super Precision & Underline) I think the price is outrageous though. For pers...
It really gets you thinking about who these buyers really are. Notice how quiet things are
There is not a huge amount of posts drawing light on the actual aspects of the watch but just rather keeping quiet so as not to be the next seller that gets his item scrutinized by the established community.
It is not too surprising.
A lot of the vintage game is artificial bubbles and pump-and-dump. If you want to perpetuate overvaluation and fake rarity, hoard-and-hide is the way to go. Think diamonds and penny stocks.
But it is good for collectors like us,
That the beginners waste their money on these things and leave the good stuff for us!
Think about it this way
In the art world, people want "rare and in demand" --- something unique and yet recognizable. Cy Twombly pieces, that look silly but sell for 20 30mn. In the watch world, the super rich collectors have a lower price of admission (there are few watches 1mn...