Rolex

1986 Rolex Explorer II (Ref. 16550) "Super 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 where as 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 # RLXEXP286
Brand Rolex
Style Explorer II
Model Ref. 16550
Serial 93XXXXX
Size Men's
Material SS
Dial Glossy Black Rail Dial "Spider"
Millimeters 40mm
Bracelet Rolex Oyster 78360 bracelet With 558b End Pieces

 

CASE & BRACELET

The previously polished case has wear but retains very thick lug with factory chamfering still slightly present. The original large font stainless steel bezel remains excellent vintage condition with wear from use. The Rolex Oyster 78360 bracelet with 558b end pieces remains in unpolished condition with minimal stretch, showing minor wear.

DIAL & HANDS

The rare and sought after "rail" dial on this ref. 16550 has taken on an excellent patina. The glossy black dial has achieved an intense spider web effect that is highly sought after. The lume plots have aged to a wonderful bright yellow coloration with some dark spotting and show no lume degradation when inspected under U.V. light. The original hands have aged beautifully to the same color of the dial and are fully intact when inspected under U.V. light.

ACCESSORIES 

None. The watch is running at spec additional service history is unknown.