Rolex Explorer II Reference 16550
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1986
Maker / issuer
RolexThis Rolex Explorer II reference 16550, manufactured in 1986, is a 40mm stainless steel timepiece. The watch features a white dial, which is noted for its color preservation, contrasted by tritium-filled luminous plots and hands that have developed a yellow patina.
The movement is contained within a stainless steel case fitted with a large-font 24-hour bezel. The timepiece is presented on a Rolex Oyster 93150 bracelet with 593 end pieces. According to the provided information, production of this specific reference occurred for approximately four years between 1985 and 1989. The watch is stated to be running at factory specifications, though its specific service history remains undocumented.
No additional accessories are included. The case, lugs, and bracelet are described as having retained their original factory finishing and chamfering.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Explorer II
- Model
- Ref. 16550
- Serial
- 94XXXXX
- Diameter
- 40mm
- Case Material
- Stainless Steel
- Dial condition
- Patina
- Production Window
- 1985–1989
- Bracelet reference
- 93150
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex
Design
- Dial and Hands
- The watch features a white dial described as remaining in a crisp white state. The hour markers are tritium-filled lume plots surrounded by black borders, which have aged to a bright yellow coloration. This coloration is consistent with the matching hour, minute, and seconds hands. According to the auction description, the hands and lume plots were inspected under U.V. light and show no signs of lume degradation. The dial remains clear of the crazing or "spider" cracking sometimes associated with older gloss dials, despite the source mentioning a black rail dial in the data table.
- Visible features
- • Triangular 24-hour hand with yellow patina • Cyclops date magnifier at 3 o'clock • Stainless steel Oyster bracelet with folding clasp • Fixed 24-hour bezel with black-filled numerals
- Case and Bracelet
- The watch is housed in a 40mm stainless steel case. The auction description reports that the case retains its original factory finishing and case chamfering. It is equipped with a fixed, stainless steel bezel featuring a large-font 24-hour scale, which the source describes as being in excellent vintage condition. The timepiece is attached to a Rolex Oyster bracelet. While the header of the description mentions a 78360 bracelet with 558b end pieces, the narrative text specifies a 93150 bracelet with 593 end pieces. The source indicates that the bracelet consists of 10 links and shows minor stretch and wear.
- Movement and Functionality
- The movement powering this reference is not detailed by caliber, but the source reports that the watch is currently running to specification. The timepiece provides a date function, visible through a Cyclops magnifier on the crystal at the 3 o'clock position. There is no documented service history provided for this movement. The auction house notes that the watch is currently functional, though it advises that the long-term history of mechanical maintenance remains unknown.
Identification
- Reference
- 16550
- Serial number
- 94XXXXX
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Service history is unknown
- Research required: Source provides conflicting bracelet information: lists both 78360 and 93150