Mann About Time

ROLEX Explorer Gilt Dial Ref. 5504 Box, Guarantee + Service Papers (1958)

Name: ROLEX Explorer Gilt Dial Ref. 5504 Box, Guarantee + Service Papers (1958)
Brand: Mann About Time
Price: 18000.00 CHF
Availability: OutOfStock

CHF 18,000.00

Sale Sold out

Purchased new in January 1960 (as per the guarantee) by Mr Alan Bridewell, and clearly worn with care for the following six decades, the present Rolex Explorer Ref. 5504 (36 mm case, not to be confused with the 34 mm ref. 5500) comes complete with original box, and incredibly, original card swing tag.

Accompanied by service papers from 1964, this is a time capsule exactly as we collectors wish to unearth

The reference 5504 used the same case as the reference 6610, which was the predecessor to the long serving and well known icon, the reference 1016. It is worth noting that these 1950s trailblazers are infinitely more rare than the 1016, and bear a far closer tie to Sir Edmund Hillary and the "Pre Explorer" steel cased chronometer he wore to summit the world's highest peak

Manufacturer - Rolex

Year - 1958

Reference - 5504

Movement - 1530 Automatic

Case Serial - 281873

Material - Stainless Steel - 36 mm not including crown

Case, movement, and dial signed

Original radium dial with gilt and silver lettering - some patina to the surface which has a soft and even mottle from time

20 mm stretch rivet bracelet, stamped Ref. 875088 (as per guarantee card, which appears to have been written according to the bracelet reference upon purchase in 1960, and not the case serial - not uncommon for retailers at the time who simply handed guarantees out as a form of receipt, unaware of how critical they would come to be all these decades later)

The watch comes fully serviced by our trusted watchmaker and is keeping excellent time

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I recently had the pleasure of buying a watch from Robin, a vintage watch dealer who truly stands out amongst the crowd. His exceptional communication and genuine passion for watches made the entire experience delightful from start to finish. Robin is not only incredibly knowledgeable but also a wonderful person to chat with, and was very much willing to go the extra mile at all times. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a trustworthy and enjoyable watch-buying experience - I'll certainly be back again in the future...!

Olivia Bennett

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I had a great experience buying a watch from Robin @ Mann about time.
Robin really facilitated my purchase journey, and created a climate of trust with his great knowledge of watches, in particular Rolex and Guilt GMT, but also with his high level of professionalism.
I would buy another watch from him with confidence.

Mark

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Robin Mann … how to make this brief: First, an experienced and discriminating curator with a superb eye for quality, condition, character, artfulness and fine detail. Next, an absolute pleasure to communicate with. Then, presentation, packaging, and professionalism makes his entire exchange process simply … perfect.
Robin has created the standard for the vintage watch experience ….. cannot wait for the next one. Oh, and last, but not least … a really nice guy.
Thank you, Robin.

Daniel Brooks

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ive known Robin for many years now , from when he was an art dealer, and when he told me that he’s started selling vintage watches, I knew I was in biiiiiiiig trouble. A vintage watch dealer that you can trust could only mean 1 thing: my bank balance would start dwindling and I was about to embark on an exhilarating ride collecting some of the most iconic vintage timepieces- His taste for chronographs is impeccable , his eye for discovering authentic pieces is truly astouding and his prices are more than fair : Within 2 years Robin’s managed to source 3 grail watches for me; a vintage sub, Pepsi gmt, and a 1016 explorer. He’s the best vintage watch dealer in the game and I cant recommend him highly enough!

Sophia Turner

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ROLEX Explorer Gilt Dial Ref. 5504 Box, Guarantee + Service Papers (1958)