ROLEX | EXPLORER, REF 5504, STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH, CIRCA 1958
ROLEX
EXPLORER, REF 5504
STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH
CIRCA 1958
Dial : black
Calibre : cal. 1530 automatic, 25 jewels
Movement number : 41'321
Case : stainless steel, screw-down back
Case number : 372'245
Closure : leather Rolex strap with Rolex buckle
Dimensions : 36 mm
Signed : case, dial and movement
Accessories : noneROLEX | EXPLORER, REF 5504, STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH, CIRCA 1958 ROLEX | EXPLORER, REF 5504, STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH, CIRCA 1958
Estimate:
10,000 - 18,000 GBP Lot sold:
12,600
GBP ROLEX
EXPLORER, REF 5504
STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH
CIRCA 1958
Dial : black
Calibre : cal. 1530 automatic, 25 jewels
Movement number : 41'321
Case : stainless steel, screw-down back
Case number : 372'245
Closure : leather Rolex strap with Rolex buckle
Dimensions : 36 mm
Signed : case, dial and movement
Accessories : none Condition report
Movement: running at the time of cataloguing.
Case: in good condition with signs of previous polishing. Case number and serial number are legible between the lugs. Inner back engraved “11.1958". With minor scuffing to the back. Plexiglass is a later replacement.
Dial: in very good condition throughout with all luminescent indexes present. The dial lacquer bears a homogeneous cloudy patina throughout. Hands and dial match under UV light.
Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts.
You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping. " The Rolex Explorer reference 5504 was launched in 1957, 4 years after the launch of the original reference 6150. The 36mm Oyster case is fitted with the caliber 1530, a non-chronometer certified movement which came to life with the Air-King model.
Dial-wise, the 5504 can immediately be recognized from its Explorer siblings by the "Super Precision" text in lieu of the traditional "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" script. The gloss black dial bears slightly longer minute markers than its sibling ref. 6610, with the addition of a white sweeping seconds hand.
The present example dates from 1958. Its glossy and gilt dial has taken a rich grainy patina from the radium dust emanating from the very well preserved indexes. The hands and dial feature a dark cream patina, adding to the unique character only time and wear can bring. This rare reference 5504 would indeed a fantastic grab for Rolex collectors, and an interesting foray into Rolex's vintage heritage.
