Rolex

1986 Rolex Explorer II (Ref. 16550) "Spider Rail Dial"

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Rolex Explorer 2 16570
Rolex only produced the 16550 for about four years, from 1985 to 1989, making it a rather rare model amongst its peers, the black gloss dial with white gold hands and hour marker surrounds were similar to the dials of the Submariner and GMT Master, pay close attention to the “Superlative Chronometer; Official Certified” wording on the bottom half of the dial. For a watch that is already relatively rare, a rail dial is even more so as the "Rail Dial" variant is very limited and was only offered in the initial stages of the Ref 16550's offering. The two lines of text Superlative Chronometer; Official Certified” line up whereas the typical or more common "Non-Rail" dial text is offset as can be seen in the examples below.
Rolex Explorer II Rail Dial
Rolex Explorer II "Rail Dial" (Stacked Block Text)
Rolex 1655o Non Rail Rial
Typical Rolex Explorer II Dial (Offset SCOC's Text)
 
Stock # RLXEXP16550-3
Brand Rolex
Style Explorer II
Model 16550
Serial 91XXXXX
Size Men's
Material Stainless Steel
Dial Spider Glossy Black "Rail"
Millimeters 40mm
Bracelet Rolex Oyster 78360 bracelet With 501 End Pieces

 

CASE & BRACELET

The strong case retains sharp chamfers and symmetrical lugs, it is believed that the case has been lightly polished in the past to retains its factory dimensions. The original bezel is unpolished and is in excellent condition, showing minimal signs of use, and retains all of its factory black enamel. The original Rolex 78360 Oyster bracelet with correct 501 end pieces is in great condition and retains 11 links that show light stretch from use.

DIAL & HANDS

The rare and original glossy black "rail dial" with white gold surround markers is in superb condition, showing no damage marks or signs of age. The dial has achieved a satisfying spider patina that reflects beautifully in the sunlight. The tritium lume plots have taken on a handsome creamy coloration and exhibit no degradation when inspected under U.V. light. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly, under U.V. light inspection the 24hr hand displays some minor cracking and remains stable, the other 3 hands show no degradation. The white date wheel is era correct with open 6's and 9's.

ACCESSORIES 

None. The watch was recently serviced and is keeping time within COSC spec, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.