{"product_id":"rolex-explorer-ii-16550-galaxy-tropical-dial-with-box-and-papers-w3748","title":"Rolex Explorer II  16550 Galaxy Tropical Dial with Box and Papers","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"KrBgDCJfHYWjiY\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"uilHrMFcZTKnuh\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ak-renderer-wrapper is-full-width css-1jke4yk\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv role=\"none\" class=\"css-boimuu\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ak-renderer-document\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"222\"\u003eThe Rolex Explorer II is a true no-nonsense tool watch, originally introduced in 1971 as reference 1655 and nicknamed “Freccione” for its bold orange 24-hour hand. Designed for cave explorers, it allowed the wearer to distinguish between day and night in complete darkness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"222\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"497\"\u003ePresented here is a later reference 16550. This model addressed the limited commercial success of the 1655 by introducing a more conventional aesthetic, aligning it more closely with the GMT-Master and Submariner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"712\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"712\"\u003eThe quirky dial of the 1655 was replaced with a cleaner layout featuring Mercedes hands, circular and baton hour markers, and applied 18k white gold surrounds. More importantly, the 16550 introduced the calibre 3085, allowing the 24-hour hand to be set independently of the main hour hand—transforming it into a true GMT watch capable of tracking two time zones simultaneously.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"712\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"1091\"\u003eThe reference 16550 is considered a transitional model, produced for only a short period between approximately 1985 and 1989—an unusually brief lifespan for Rolex—making it both rare and highly collectible. It was also the first Explorer II to be offered with a white “Polar” dial.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"1091\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"1374\"\u003eThe present example features a black dial that has aged in a particularly attractive and sympathetic way, resembling the milky way. The lume has developed a warm cream tone, while portions of the dial have taken on a subtle brown hue, creating a unique effect reminiscent of “snake skin”—a striking and highly individual character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"1374\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"1707\"\u003eThe case remains in lovely condition, as does the characteristic thick-font bezel. The watch is fitted with a reference 93150 Oyster bracelet, with 593 end links and a clasp stamped I11.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"1707\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"1895\"\u003eFurthermore, this example comes with an additional black dial and handset, both with tritium lume, allowing the option to return the watch to a more traditional appearance if desired.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"1895\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2080\"\u003eThe watch is accompanied by its original Rolex inner box, an Explorer booklet, and the typical U.S.-stamped guarantee paper, indicating a sale in 1988.Historically, the Explorer II has been considered an underdog within the Rolex sports family, yet it is so stylish and appealing. These watches make the perfect summer watch…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2080\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2407\"\u003eWhere tool watch heritage meets wild, organic character , Contact us to secure this exceptional Explorer II.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2407\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2517\"\u003e\u003cem data-renderer-mark=\"true\"\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2534\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"ak-ul\" data-indent-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2538\"\u003eRolex Explorer II Reference 16550\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2575\"\u003e40mm steel case\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2594\"\u003eSerial 967xxxx dating to 1988\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2627\"\u003eBlack dial with a beautiful patina , Galaxy tropical effect\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2690\"\u003eOyster bracelet 93150 with end links 593\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2734\"\u003eFully serviced by our watchmaker\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2771\"\u003eOne-year mechanical warranty\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2803\"\u003eAditional ( tritium) black Dial and hand set\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2852\"\u003eRolex inner box, booklet US style guarantee paper stating sale in 1988\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2926\"\u003eFree worldwide Fedex Priority shipping\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56668234350916,"sku":"W-3748","price":15500.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0574\/2546\/1430\/files\/W-3748RolexExplorer2Tropicaldialref16550boxandguaranteepapers_309_1x1_87337443-7f1b-4b33-b331-206b70d533c8.jpg?v=1776343142","url":"https:\/\/bulangandsons.fr\/products\/rolex-explorer-ii-16550-galaxy-tropical-dial-with-box-and-papers-w3748","provider":"Bulang and Sons EU","version":"1.0","type":"link"}