once this item comes back in stock
| Manufacturer: | Rolex |
| Item Number: | 145095 |
| Nickname: | Rolex Polar |
| Condition: | Vintage |
| Model Name/Number: | Explorer II - 16550 "Cream Rail Dial" |
| Serial/Year: | 8,4XX,XXX - 1984 |
| Gender: | Men's |
| Movement | Automatic 3085 |
| Case: | Excellent stainless steel 40mm case with scratches and some wear. The bezel is in very good condition with surface scratches and wear. The back of the caseback is stamped: 16550. Serial and reference numbers are clearly visible. The sapphire crystal shows some wear around the edge and some scratches. |
| Dial: | Excellent dial that has aged to a cream color with light patina. |
| Bracelet: | Excellent stainless steel 78360 Oyster with 12 links and 501 end links that has typical surface wear for its age. Back of folding Oyster clasp is stamped "I4" indicating it is from 1984 and matches the case production. |
| Box & Papers: | Bob's presentation box |
| Warranty: | This vintage Rolex comes with Bob's Watches one year warranty |
| Return Policy: | If not 100% satisfied, return watch in 3 days for a full refund. Terms. |
Vintage Watch Condition Examination
This 16550 is in overall excellent vintage condition. The case is in good condition with scratches and wear, it appears to have been polished. The bezel is in very good condition with some wear, scratches and some nicks along the edge. It also has some wear in the numbers. The cream dial is in excellent condition with light patina. The lume on the dial and in the hands have developed patina and aged to a lovely beige color. The lume on the dial and in the hands are close to matching in color. The hands have developed patina. The bracelet is in great condition with some wear and scratches, it has light stretch between the links.
Vintage Rolex Explorer II Ref 16550
The reference 16550 played an integral role in the Rolex Explorer II's history. When it came to market in the mid-1980s, it was the first reference in the series to feature a larger 40mm case, an upgraded scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and a higher-beat caliber 3085 Perpetual movement. Reference 16550 was also the first Explorer II to sport the now-standard Mercedes-style hands and dot, triangle, and baton hour markers. The bezel was also upgraded from the retro 24-hour scale separated by hashes, as seen on its predecessor ref. 1655, to 24-hour graduations separated by inverted triangles. With reference 16550, the collection as we know it today started taking shape.
This circa 1984 example is referred to as a "Cream dial" because the white dial has aged to a creamy ivory color. This is something we see with these 1980s white dial 16550s and that is one of the main reasons why collectors gravitate towards these. Collectors have also nicknamed this as a "rail" dials due to the placement of the four words on the bottom of the dial "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified." The words line up perfectly above each other leaving an even gap between the words, to read more about "rail" dials go here.
* All Pre-Owned Rolex watches are guaranteed to be 100% genuine and certified authentic. Certificates are issued by WatchCSA, the industry's leading independent authority on watch authentication. WatchCSA Certified Pre-Owned certificates are provided for an additional fee at checkout. All watches are shipped to fit the average size wrist (7 1/4" - 7 1/2" for men and 6 1/4" - 6 1/2" for women). Additional links can be purchased if needed. Note that "B&P" means "box and papers" where stated.
Each order is ready for shipment within one (1) business day after the order is approved and processed. All watch orders are shipped FedEx overnight and are fully insured at no charge to the customer. Please be advised that for any deliveries from Bob's Watches, a recipient aged 21 years or older must be present to provide a signature upon receipt of the package.
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Beautiful watch in excellent condition! I could not be happier! My experience with Bob's Watches was perfect. Great customer service and fast shipping. I asked a question and it was answered within minutes. I felt very comfortable during the entire process. Do yourself a favor and buy from Bob's! I hope to again!