ROLEX. A RARE AND CHARMING STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC DUAL TIME WRISTWATCH WITH SWEEP CENTRE SECONDS, DATE, 24 HOUR HAND, 'CREAM' DIAL AND BRACELET

Increasingly sought-after amongst collectors, the present Rolex Explorer II reference 16550 features a highly attractive 'cream' dial. Additionally, the luminescent material has aged nicely, resulting in a nice, equal and warm patina - enhancing the aesthetic appeal and elegance of the watch.

The Explorer II was launched in 1971 with reference 1655 as the natural heir to the original Explorer. Marketed toward professionals, the 24 hour hand was originally not meant to indicate a second time zone but rather truly the nocturnal/diurnal cycle - a function useful for professionals such as speleologists who would spend days underground, oblivious to the sun presence in the sky. In 1985 reference 16550 was introduced, with completely updated looks and movement, now allowing for independent regulation of the hour hand, thus permitting it to be used as a dual time wristwatch, and in 1988 reference 16570.