Fine Watches
Fine Watches
Property of the original owner
Rolex
Explorer II 'cream rail dial', reference 16550 Montre bracelet en acier avec date | Stainless steel wristwatch with date and bracelet Vers 1987 | Circa 1987
Lot Closed
October 16, 01:09 PM GMT
Estimate
12,000 - 24,000 EUR
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Read more.Lot Details
Description
Rolex
Explorer II 'cream rail dial', reference 16550
Montre bracelet en acier avec date |
Stainless steel wristwatch with date and bracelet
Vers 1987 |
Circa 1987
Cadran: blanc crème
Calibre: cal. 3085 automatique, 27 rubis
Numéro de mouvement: 1'498'330
Boîtier: acier, fond vissé
Numéro de boîtier: 9'643'574
Fermoir: bracelet Rolex Oyster en acier et boucle déployante
Dimensions: 40 mm, circonférence du bracelet approx. 185 mm
Signé: boîtier, cadran et mouvement
Ecrin: oui
Papiers: oui
Accessoires: certificat de garantie, étiquette du COSC, étiquette numérotée, facture de service, manuel d'utilisation et écrin avec surboîte Rolex
Dial: white cream
Calibre: cal. 3085 automatic, 27 jewels
Movement number: 1'498'330
Case: stainless steel, screw-down back
Case number: 9'643'574
Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp
Size: 40 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 185 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: yes
Papers: yes
Accessories: Rolex certificate of guarantee, COSC hang tag, numbered hang tag, service invoice, instruction manual and presentation case with outer packaging
Poids brut 121.80 g |
Gross weight 121.80 g
The 1980's were a transitional period for Rolex. It saw its professional models, such as the Submariner, Daytona, GMT or Explorer II, evolving to meet the requirements of modern use.
Some of the key evolution was the move from plexiglass to sapphire crystal, movement upgrades for quickset functions and increased power reserve.
The Explorer II is a perfect illustration of these changes, particularly exemplified by the Reference 16550, which can be considered as a transitional model.
The watch was produced during four years only, between 1986 to 1989 and is the bridge between the 1655 (1971-1985) and the 16750 (1989-2011).
The 16550 introduced the sapphire crystal and was equipped with the calibre 3085 allowing the GMT hand to be adjusted independently.
Aesthetically, its dial was much closer to the GMT and Submariner, with triangular, dot and baton indexes and the traditional hands.
This lot is the most collectible specimen of the Explorer 2. Indeed, it has the highly sough-after cream rail dial.
The cream patina shade on this example is rich and deep, ensuring a nice contrast with the light indexes and hands.
This piece also has a case preserved with impressive proportions and is fitted on its original bracelet marked K9, confirming its production at the end of 1986.
It is presented on behalf of its original and only owner and is accompanied by its original accessories, making it an unmissable opportunity to secure a top example of a 16550 Explorer II "cream rail dial".