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
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box and Guarantee Certificate (Laminated)
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
1985
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Inner and outer box, original guarantee certificate that has been laminated
Dial Color
Cream
THE DIAL
Featuring a beautiful, off-white cream-colored dial that is uniform throughout and paired with stunningly aged luminous hour markers, this ref. 16550's dial is perhaps one of the most unique we have come across to date.
THE BEZEL
The angular font used on the bezel of the 16550 is quite different from the later ref. 16570 (which was produced for a much longer period of time). Often overpolished and wearied, this example comparatively has a sharp bezel with clear definition in the engraved numbers and triangles.
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 excellent overall condition. Case lugs are thick with soft edges, and there are minor signs of wear including small scuffs and marks along the surface. The original "Fat Font" bezel has had loss of its black enameling that has been re-filled as seen in the images. Oirginal cream colored "rail dial" is in excellent condition. No cracks of fissures on the surface, with slightly discolored luminous plots. The hands are original tritium and match the dial luminous. There are a few minor chips along the edge of the crystal. Watch is fitted on an oyster bracelet with 11 links total, 1 removable. It fits a 6 3/4" wrist on its largest setting.
Our Perspective
Perhaps one of the most unique cream dials we have come across, this Explorer II ref. 16550 is a wonderful example of the variety found within the world of vintage Rolex.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
