Rolex Explorer Air-King 5501

The Rolex Explorer Air‑King ref. 5501 was produced from 1958 to 1965 and stands out as a rare variation of the two-tone Air‑King with an Explorer-style dial. This reference shared the same 34 mm stainless steel Oyster case as the standard 5501, but featured an 18k yellow gold fluted bezel and matching crown. It was powered by either the Rolex Caliber 1520 or Rolex Caliber 1530, both automatic movements known for their reliability and simplicity. The case thickness was approximately 11–12 mm, with a lug-to-lug length of 42 mm and a lug width of 19 mm. What made this reference distinct was the Explorer-style 3-6-9 dial in black, often with gilt text, luminous markers, and Mercedes hands—a configuration not officially cataloged by Rolex, making it exceptionally rare. These pieces were most likely produced for select Commonwealth markets and are now highly sought after by collectors for their unusual hybrid aesthetic that combines elements of dress and tool watch design.