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 9
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box, Guarantee Paper, Manuals, and Calendar
Est. value range
$15,000 – $25,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
Explorer II
Movement
Self-Winding Caliber 3085
Reference
16550
Bracelet
Stainless Steel
Year
1986
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless Steel
Included
Box, Papers, Manuals
Dial Color
Cream Dial
THE DIAL
This Explorer II features a beautiful, medium cream-colored dial that is uniform throughout. Note the 'Rail' configuration of the words 'Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified'.
THE BEZEL
The 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. The original finish still visible.
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
The watch is in excellent condition. Case is full and thick, with only minimal surface wear and scratches. Bezel is sharp, and the numbers are still black and clearly visible. Dial surface is glossy and shows no signs of erosion. Original tritium indexes are a light off-white color. There are a few small noticeable areas of discoloration on some of the indexes. The original 78360 bracelet has very little stretch and comes with 12 links.
Our Perspective
Featured here, is what would be considered as the textbook configuration- thick font bezel, rail dial, white gold indexes and nine million serial number, with original box and papers. This fine and complete example of a 16550 Cream Dial would be a trophy for any vintage Rolex collector.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
