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.

In very good original overall condition. The dial has cracking to the black gloss throughout which gives this Rail dial example the sought after spider-web effect. The lumes have aged consistently to a very warm ivory, the lume in the hands is slightly brighter. The 24 hour hand lume has fallen out. The case and caseback have surface wear, which is consistent with the age of the watch. The "thick font" bezel is in excellent condition wtih only minor loss to the enamed numbers. The 78360 oyster bracelet has 11 links total (one removable), and has a date code of "I4" on the clasp, dating it to 1984.

With its stunning dial sporting two rare features at once, this Explorer II ref. 16550 is a truly special catch.