The 1016 was first introduced in 1959, this release saw the minute marks move to the edge of the dial. ![]() This model was available with either a rivetted or a folded Oyster bracelet. One final version of the 5500 was released in the early 1970s, Rolex reverted to using just the word ‘Precision’ where previously both ‘Precision’ and ‘Super Precision’ had been used. As a result of this they also included the white line seen on some Submariners, which helped printers to properly line up the text on the dial. Later in the 1960s, the penultimate release of the 5500 saw the introduction of the T<25 text at 6o’clock to show the type of luminescence included in the paint. For the third edition, released in the early ‘60s the minute marks were moved to the edge of the dial, this edition used the 1520 movement and due to the change in the dial, the 12o’clock triangle became much larger. The second edition of the 5500 had an all-white dial and the minute marks were placed on an inset track within the dial. Super precision Air King models are highly collectable in the vintage market, due to their rarity. The dial was gloss black, and instead of the chronometer certification these watches either had the word ‘Precision’ or ‘Super precision’ on the dial – this depended on the movement that was used and the date of production. ![]() The Air-King had a much smaller case than the Explorer and had a slightly smaller bracelet (19mm rather than the standard 20mm) and the first edition 5500 share these traits. In the late ‘50s the 5500 was introduced to the Explorer market, with a 1530 movement it had previously been known as the Air-King. These models were also available with the honeycomb dial, the 6610 was the last of the Explorers to offer this option. By the third edition the depth rating was removed from the dial entirely and the seconds hand was painted white this was adopted in all sports models of the time. It was at this point that all sports editions began to upgrade to the Mercedes hands. The second edition of 6610 saw the model name move upwards to sit between depth rating and the Rolex logo. Additionally, the crown had a small minus sign below the Rolex logo. Another defining feature of the 6610, is its use of the 1030 movement. Some versions of the 6610 had a slightly different seconds hand, with the white luminous circle, approximately halfway down. Initial versions had some of the text printed in red – a depth rating of 50m – with the name Explorer printed in gold beneath the hands, above the chronometer certification. The 6610 was the fourth release of the Explorer model, launched in 1955. Nevertheless, these intrepid expeditions were a good test of the prototype’s stamina, and an equally good marketing platform for what would become a core model in Rolex’s sport watches. However, Hillary has since revealed that he touched the summit before Norgay, and had in fact worn a Smiths watch. A prototype Explorer made it up Mount Everest, on the wrist of Sir John Hunt, and there was speculation as to whether Tenzig Norgay made Rolex the first watch to reach the summit. The unnamed watches were sent out on a variety of expeditions and adventures to test their muster. ![]() The first prototypes of the Explorer appeared in 1952 without a name they were essentially bubble-backs with different dials and either steel or brass hands. They had succeeded in creating a tough and sturdy watch in the bubble-back and Rolex now looked to market it to the mountaineering world. The Rolex Explorer first came into fruition to meet the needs of Rolex’s more adventurous customer. Read all about the Rolex Explorer, including the history of the different models and what to look for when valuing your Explorer.
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