{"product_id":"rolex-explorer-gilt-dial-double-t_-25_-box-and-papers-set-ref-5500-w3777","title":"Rolex Explorer 5500 Gilt Double \"T \u003c 25\" Dial Box and Paper Set","description":"\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 3 []\"\u003eWhile reference 5500 is best known as the Air-King, Rolex made a fascinating exception between the late 1950s and the late 1960s. During this period, the brand fitted the 34mm Oyster case with the iconic black 3-6-9 Explorer dial and scaled-down Mercedes hands normally reserved for the 36mm Explorer reference 1016. Today, these Explorer-signed reference 5500s rank among the rarest and most sought-after vintage Rolex models.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 3 []\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003eAnd that is exactly what we have here: a superb 1960s Rolex Explorer reference 5500. The beautifully preserved 34mm case is matched with an outstanding gilt dial, whose hands and hour markers have developed a wonderfully warm banana-coloured patina over the decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003eWhat truly sets this example apart, however, is a remarkably rare detail at six o'clock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003eAlongside the familiar \"Swiss\" designation, this dial carries not one but two \"T\u0026lt;25\" markings. The \"T\u0026lt;25\" designation indicates the use of tritium as the luminous material while certifying that the watch contained less than 25 millicuries of radioactive material, in accordance with the regulations introduced during the early 1960s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003eThis was a fascinating transitional period for Rolex. As new international standards came into force, the brand experimented with a variety of dial markings and safety indicators, including the famous Exclamation Point dials, Underline dials, double \"T\u0026lt;25\" markings such as this one, and several other subtle variations. Today, these small details are cherished by collectors, as they offer a fascinating glimpse into one of the most interesting periods in Rolex's history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003eAs if the watch itself weren't enough, it is accompanied by an exceptional archive of original accessories and documentation, adding another layer of provenance to an already highly collectible Explorer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003eIncluded are the original guarantee booklet, confirming a sale in Great Britain in February 1966, a British-market Rolex booklet dated 1965 bearing the same retailer's stamp as the guarantee, a rare 1959 Rolex booklet, no fewer than twelve Rolex service invoices accumulated over the decades, and the original inner and outer Rolex boxes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003eThe watch is paired with one of our own Bulang and Sons leather straps—a combination we think suits this little Explorer perfectly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003eHistory, rarity, and provenance—wrapped into 34mm! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003e\u003cem data-prosemirror-content-type=\"mark\" data-prosemirror-mark-name=\"em\"\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"ak-ul\" data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"bulletList\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"listItem\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003eRolex Explorer Reference 5500\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"listItem\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003e34mm steel case, smooth bezel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"listItem\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003eSerial 1215xxx dating to 1965\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"listItem\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003eGilt dial with rare double \"T\u0026lt;25\" markings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"listItem\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003eBulang and sons leather strap\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"listItem\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003eBooklets, ,Rolex Service invoices , Rolex inner and outer boxes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"listItem\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003eGuarantee booklet stating a sale in Great Britain 1966\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"listItem\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003eFully serviced by our watchmaker\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"listItem\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003eOne-year mechanical warranty\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"listItem\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-prosemirror-content-type=\"node\" data-prosemirror-node-name=\"paragraph\" data-prosemirror-node-block=\"true\"\u003eFree worldwide Fedex Priority shipping\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57028799693124,"sku":"W-3777","price":15500.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0574\/2546\/1430\/files\/W-3779RolexExplorerGiltdialboxandpaperssetref5500_327_1x1_14321c95-e89a-4f39-abac-aaa7aa8d1dd1.jpg?v=1784725939","url":"https:\/\/bulangandsons.fr\/products\/rolex-explorer-gilt-dial-double-t_-25_-box-and-papers-set-ref-5500-w3777","provider":"Bulang and Sons EU","version":"1.0","type":"link"}