General
Model: Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16550
Collection: Explorer II (Professional series)
Era/Production: ~1985 – 1989 (short production run, collectible)
📏 Case
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Case Material: Stainless steel
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Case Diameter: 40 mm
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Case Thickness: ~12.5 mm (varies by source)
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Bezel: Fixed stainless steel with 24-hour scale
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Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire
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Water Resistance: ~100 m (10 ATM)
🧠 Movement
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Movement Type: Automatic mechanical
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Calibre: Rolex Calibre 3085
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Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, GMT/24-hour hand (dual time-zone); quickset date and independent 24-hour hand — a technical first for the Explorer II line at the time
⌚ Dial
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Dial Color: Black (also available in white on other examples)
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Hour Markers/Hands: With luminous tritium (vintage)
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GMT Hand: Red 24-hour hand for second time zone
🔗 Strap / Bracelet
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Bracelet: Stainless steel Oyster bracelet (vintage hollow links)
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Clasp: Folding Oyster clasp
⚙️ Additional Details
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Date Window: With Cyclops magnifier at 3 o’clock
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Lume Material: Original tritium (older examples; aged patina common)
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Collectibility: Short production, transitional model (between ref. 1655 and ref. 16570), often sought by collectors — especially unique dial variants like “rail” or “spider” dials on black versions.
