Introduction
The genesis of the cream-colored 16550 are a bit of a mystery. A mistake in the mixing of the laquer perhaps? By design? No matter what you think the origin story is, the cream dial 16550 has become highly sought after. The 16550 was the first sapphire crystal version of the Explorer II, as well as the first Explorer II to become available in an array of dial colors.
Debuting in 1971, the Rolex Explorer II was released to satiate the demand for a relatively niche timepiece for a particular type of explorer, Spelunkers, or cave explorers as we may call them. Made only of steel, the Explorer II's construction ensures that none of its parts might crack or break off against a rock in cramped conditions, such as a bezel insert. With this use in mind, the Explorer II originally featured its iconic arrow-shaped 24-hour hand to differentiate between AP and PM for spelunkers that might lose track of the day and night cycle while they were in caves for days at a time. The modern Explorer II models have had this function exchanged for a fully operational GMT-hand. Featuring its signature fixed stainless-steel bezel, arrow-shaped 2nd hour hand, and robust design, the Explorer II makes for an incredible jack-of-all-trades timepiece as it comprises of just about everything your modern exploring needs might demand. Whether you're 500m under a mountain, 30m underwater, or 10,000m in the air on a trans-Atlantic flight, the Explorer II has you covered.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box and Papers
Est. value range
$15,000 – $25,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
Explorer II
Movement
Automatic cal. 3085
Reference
16550
Bracelet
Stainless Steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1987
Condition
Very Good/ Excellent
Material
Stainless Steel
Included
Watch, Box, Papers, Hangtag and Original Insurance Valuation
Dial Color
Cream
THE DIAL
Featuring a beautiful, light cream-colored dial that is uniform throughout, this example features the sought-after 'rail' configuration where the gap between the words "superlative chronometer" and "officially certified" line up exactly - a rare occurrence in Rolex's dials.
THE BEZEL
Perhaps one of the Explorer II ref. 16550's most striking pieces of design is its stainless steel bezel. With its angular font featuring square zeros and sharp corners, the ref. 16550 departs from the other Explorer II variant's aesthetic almost entirely due to its bezel.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in very good to excellent condition. Dial has an even cream color with no blemishes. Hands and indexes match perfectly. Case and bezel have surface abrasions throughout, consistent with moderate usage. There is a total of 12 links, two of which are removable.
Our Perspective
A small piece of Rolex's interesting history with rare 'accidental' dial colors, the ref. 16550 has quickly become a beloved vintage collector's item. With that, this example in great condition with its full set and original insurance valuation will undoubtedly be a treasured addition to any collection.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
