Black Dial 16550 Rolex Explorer II

16550-Rolex-Explorer-II-Black-Dial

The transitional 16550 is a perfect Explorer II. I know, the 1655 is also perfect. But the 16550 isn’t even close to as famous, so we’re here to help correct that. The Polar 16550, more often known by its cream dial patina, is the ultimate Explorer II to my eye. But the black dial 16550…

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Cream Dial 16550 Rolex Explorer II

The Daytona has Paul Newman. The GMT-Master has Marlon Brando and Fidel Castro. The Explorer II though? It’s never really had a unilateral poster-personality to align with. Except that’s not quite accurate, because unbeknownst to many, a cream dial 16550 has been worn for decades by one Gordon Ramsey. If you don’t see the appeal,…

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Tiffany-Signed ‘Chicchi di Mais’ 16550 Rolex Explorer II

16550-Rolex-Explorer-II-Tiffany-Signed

Some watches require very little explanation; their appeal is inherent. FPJ’s resonance is intriguing on the dial side and downright bewitching once flipped over. VC’s skeletonized perpetual calendars will not let your eye rest. Watching a Lange rattrapante split seconds with complete equanimity is mesmerizing. Others take a bit more background. If you’ve been into…

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Cream Dial 16550 Rolex Explorer II

16550-Rolex-Explorer-II-Cream-Dial

If manners maketh man, patina maketh Rolex. Patina can arrive in many forms: wrist wear, consistent sun exposure, and manufacturing defects are the most common. It is the rare bird which displays multiple forms of weathering. Just such an example is what a have here: an early 16550 which sports both a cream dial borne…

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Value Prop: 16550 Rolex Explorer II Black Dial

16550-Rolex-Explorer-II-Black-Dial

If you adhere to the modern aphorism which states that condition is the new rarity, you’ll understand my total excitement here. Perfection in vintage watches really doesn’t exist. Therefore, what I like personally are honest examples with integrity and cohesive character. More than that, however, I have weak spot for value. And in Rolex sports…

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Tiffany-Signed 16550 Rolex Explorer II Cream Dial

Tiffany-Signed-16550-Rolex-Explorer-II-Cream-Dial

Some watches require very little explanation; their appeal is inherent. FPJ’s resonance is intriguing on the dial side and downright bewitching once flipped over. VC’s skeletonized perpetual calendars will not let your eye rest. Watching a Lange rattrapante split seconds with complete equanimity is mesmerizing. Others take a bit more background. If you’ve been into…

Read More