Explorer II

Ref. 16550

discontinuedSapphire transitionDocumentedLast reviewed Not yet reviewed

Lineage← 16551655016570 →Compare with previous Compare with next

Known Variants

Classification

FactoryDocumented as shipped from the factory for this reference and period.PeriodNot original to this watch, but correct for its production period.ServiceFitted by the manufacturer's own service network. Not a defect.AftermarketThird-party part. Affects originality, not authenticity.ModifiedGenuine parts in a configuration the factory did not sell. Affects originality and value, not authenticity.CounterfeitDeceptive reproduction intended to pass as genuine.UnknownEvidence on file does not settle the question.

Dial

Factory

Polar

White 'Polar' dial.

Probable

Dial

Factory

Black

Black dial.

Probable

Dial

Factory

Rail / cream dial

Early white 'Polar' dials with the distinctive 'rail' text alignment; many have aged to a cream/ivory tone and command a premium.

Probable

Lume

Factory

Tritium

Tritium markers and 24h hand (pre-LumiNova).

Probable

Movement

Factory

Caliber 3085

First Explorer II movement with an independently settable 24-hour hand; specific to the 16550 era.

Probable

Bracelet

Factory

Oyster 78360 (580 end links)

Oyster bracelet ref 78360 with 580 end links.

Probable

Component compatibility

What this reference is documented to have carried, and in what capacity. A service part is the manufacturer's own work; only a counterfeit classification is a finding against the watch.

Documented calibers

Rolex 3085FactoryDefault configurationProbable
Whole production