Brand: Rolex
Model: Explorer II
Reference: 16550
Year: 1984
Serial number: 8431XXX
Material: stainless steel
Bracelet: stainless steel
Diameter: 40 Millimeter
Condition: very good
Box&Papers: yes, full set
Description: Wonderful and exceedingly rare Explorer II reference 16550 with cream dial.
The case is in very good condition. The case is in very good condition. Slightly polished in the past, it shows even lugs, nice sharp edges and a very good matte finish on top of the case. Light signs of wear are present and a little nick on the down right lug but it total a great case with a charming optic.
The dial is certainly the highlight of this watch. The dial is for sure the highlight of the watch. It’s a very rare CREAM Dial. These dials are so named because of their coloring, which was created by the aging process of the lacquer. Originally all white Explorer IIs were actually white. However, a production error on some dials of the 16550 resulted in the white color turning into a wonderful cream over the years.
Since Rolex considered these dials to be damaged for a long time because they were no longer in the original color, most of the dials were replaced as part of a service. That’s why only a few examples appear on the market these days.
The tritium hands are also in great shape with a nice matching patina to the dial.
The original 16550, recognizable by the square numbers, is also top with very light signs of wear and no imperfections at all.
This great CREAM DIAL Explorer is offered with box and papers from Germany. It was sold in September 1986 Juwelier J. Weiland in Mainz (Germany). The germans had a special system to mark their papers and so the green sticker on the right side of the papers shows also serial and reference.
The 78360 oyster bracelet is in very good condition with like no stretch and only light signs of wear. The clasp code is I4 for april 1984 and so matching perfectly to the watch.
Conclusion: A really wonderful watch with a perfect presence on the wrist and extremely rare to find in this quality and scope of delivery.
