One of the earliest-ever tritium-dial Explorers, manufactured in 1964, this perfectly original '5500' Rolex Super Precision has the kind of exquisite dial that collectors dream of.

1953 heralded the decree that ceased the use of radium on Rolex dials. For those dials that had already been part-produced, Rolex over-printed a tiny silver "underline" to indicate within the organisation that the dial was luminised with tritium not radium. The designators "T<25" were carefully added to flank "Swiss" right at the bottom edge, confirming the use of this new technology. The perfectly preserved dial is flawless gloss black (now warming to a deep "80% Cocoa" tropical colour), with perfect embossed gilt lettering, the mercedes hands are original from 1964. You simply could not ask for a more appealing vintage Explorer. 

London service marks

With military connections, this watch is inscribed with the name of its first owner, Major F. Wawn of the Royal Artillery. With such impeccable credentials, we have elected not to polish it, and present it exactly as received when we bought it for our private collection in 2008, where it remained until now.