Rolex Explorer II 16550 Box & Papers

This Rolex Explorer II is the rare transition reference 16550 from 1987 with a white dial, creamy lume and it comes with original accessories.

Rolex is known for making tool watches for extreme conditions. The Submariner and Sea-Dweller for divers, the GMT Master for pilots and the Explorer II for spelunkers or cave explorers. Each watch model offers special features and functions that were helpful in the respective area of application. For example, the GMT Master has a rotating 24-hour bezel, which the pilots used to read the time in two time zones. The Explorer II, on the other hand, has a fixed bezel with 24-hour markings. The combination of the 24-hour hand and the fixed bezel helped cave explorers to determine whether it was 10 AM or 10 PM (22). For somebody who works in the dark it is a very useful feature.

Here you can see a Rolex Explorer II reference 16550 from 1987. It is a transitional reference that was produced for approx. 4 years between 1985 and 1989. In the world of vintage Rolex watches, transitional references have features of previous references and, at the same time, new modifications that pave the way for the design of future references. The Explorer 16550 was introduced in 1985 as the successor to the Ref. 1665 and brought a larger 40 mm case, a sapphire crystal and the caliber 3085. The dial looks similar to other sports models with the famous Mercedes-style hands and the combination of triangular, round and rectangular indexes with tritium lume. In addition, the Rolex Explorer II was available for the first time with a white dial instead of just black. The bezel has inverted triangles instead of sticks for odd numbers.

The Caliber 3085 movement now meant that the 24-hour hand could be adjusted independently from the traditional hour hand. Therefore, the Explorer II graduated from merely indicating day and night display to a watch, that was able to display a second time zone. That made the Explorer II more appealing to a larger audience of adventurers.

A special feature of this dial is the tritium luminous material, which has changed to a creamy color over time. This gives the watch a warm vintage look. The white dial surface is absolutely flawless. The stainless steel case is sharp and unpolished. The bezel has thick numbers and triangles. The Oyster bracelet is also beautifully preserved and has correct numbers matching the era of the watch.

This Rolex Explorer II 16550 becomes the ultimate collector's watch due to the original accessories from 1988. The chronometer certificate shows the date of sale 11/12/1988. The paper is punched with the serial number and the country code 150. The watch is also accomponied by a leather card holder with the matching serial number sticker, guarantee translation and a green presentation box.

This fantastic Rolex Explorer offers everything to satisfy every discerning collector. It is an important Rolex model, a rare reference, it is preserved in excellent condition and it comes with the important collector's accessories.

Serial number: R697xxx (1987)

Int.Exe.: 1507025