Rolex · Explorer II
Explorer II
Ref. 16550
discontinuedSapphire transitionDocumentedLast reviewed Not yet reviewed
Reference photography not yet on file
The transitional Explorer II: first with a sapphire crystal, the first independent 24-hour hand (cal. 3085) and the first white 'Polar' dial. Short production; early white dials often aged to cream ('rail'/'cream' dials) and are highly collectible.
At a glance
- Brand
- Rolex
- Collection
- Explorer II
- Reference
- 16550
- Production
- 1985–1989
- Caliber
- 3085
- Case diameter
- 40mm
- Case material
- Stainless steel
Related references
Same Collection
Same Movement
Reference family timeline
Every generation in this lineage in production order. Spans are as documented; an open end means the reference is current or its end year is not established.