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Rolex 16550
Sitting between the 1655 and 16570, 16550 is one of the most attractive white dial sports watches ever produced by Rolex. With perfect proportions and a vintage feel, it allows the wearer to use it confidently as it features elements like a sapphire crystal. Rolexes with this much character and the durability of a modern watch should be on any Rolex enthusiasts list.
Dial
In the world of Rolex, something different than the status quo will always be sought after. In the world of tiny kings, you should at least have a unique and valuable crown.
Bearing a gorgeously aged “panna” dial with equally beautiful and even patina on the markers, THIS is a very special 16550 circa 1987. The markers are a pumpkin-brown, the dial is a creamy off-white. Black white-gold surrounds correspond to later production in the 16550 period. This striking combination makes this Rolex stand out from the rest. Why buy a beige OP when you can have more than double the functionality and can instead live the Explorer life with this?
Condition
The watch is in very fine used, vintage condition and time-graphs well. Calibre 3085 made the 16550 the first Explorer to allow independent adjustment of the GMT hand for tracking other timezones. The movement is exceptionally clean. Amplitude is the complaint, between 200-250 degrees while rate keeping reads between -4 and +7 seconds under our observation. The movement functions entirely correctly and features the jumping hour hand for setting GMT hand and date. It comes with box and hang tag. It has not been pressure tested.
Case
For those seeking a high quality vintage Rolex, this example approaches the realms of “untouched” for what is a nearly 40 year old watch.
The chamfers and finishes on the case are delightfully crisp.
As 1987 and 2026 share the exact same calendar, there isn’t a better time to relive another era (just a little bit) by putting this watch on your wrist.
Bracelet
At some point this example received a bracelet update to the 93150 band with 501 end links. Meaning the clasp utilizes an extra flip lock.
The bracelet fits a maximum wrist size of approximately 19cm wrist. Actuation is retained and secure, the crown emblem is present and does not appear to have been polished.
It contains one removable link.