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1052

Rolex

Ref. 16550

Explorer II

A very fine and rare stainless steel dual-time wristwatch with center seconds, date, 24-hour indication, "cream" dial, bracelet, guarantee and box

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The Rolex Explorer II fitted with a white dial is perhaps the most collectible variant of the ref. 16550, due to its natural patina developed over time turning the dial to a “cream” coloration in random prediction of tone and graduation. Initially introduced in 1985, the reference featured an upgraded sapphire crystal and was discontinued a few years later. Early examples of the reference were set with applied white gold luminous indexes with later examples featuring black applied indexes giving a totally different appeal to the watch.

The present example is perhaps one of the earliest examples to be sold manufactured in circa 1984 and was sold by a Japanese retailer on 6th October 1985. Preserved in excellent overall condition, the present specimen is blessed by a uniformed graduation of the cream hue with desirably aged luminous material to a buttery hue and texture giving the watch an exemplified vintage appeal. Furthermore, the present example is well-documented with service invoice and papers from Rolex Japan, its original guarantee and presentation box.

Rolex

Swiss | 1905

Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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