Rolex
Reference 16550 Explorer II | A stainless steel automatic dual time zone wristwatch with date and bracelet, Circa 1984
Lot closes
June 17, 03:30 PM GMT
Estimate
5,000 - 8,000 USD
Current Bid
5,000 USD
3 Bids
Reserve met
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Read more.Lot Details
Description
Dial: black
Caliber: cal. 3085 automatic, 27 jewels
Movement number: 1'070'840
Case: stainless steel, engraved screw down case back
Case number: 8'399'331
Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with folding clasp
Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference is approximately 195 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: yes
Accessories: Rolex Official Chronometer Certificate (undated), and booklet
The 1980s were a transitional time for Rolex. Their professional tool watches evolved to meet the watchmaking standards of the day. Plexiglass became sapphire crystals, movements integrated quick-set functions, and power reserves increased.
The Explorer II ref,16550 was only in production for a few years, starting in 1984. It was the transitional model between the 1655 to the 16750 (which remained in production until 2011). The new dial configuration took its design cues from the more legible GMTs and Submariner. The new cal. 3085 movement also meant that the GMT hand could be adjusted independently.
This very early example with a serial number from 1984 comes with the classic black dial and is accompanied with an undated Rolex Official Chronometer Certificate.