Important Collectors Watches, Pocket ...

New York, Oct 17, 2008

LOT 226

Ivory Dial Explorer II Rolex, Oyster Perpetual Date, "Explorer II, Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified, Ref. 16550. Made circa 1987. Fine, two time zone, center seconds, self-winding,water-resistant, stainless steelwristwatchwith date, 24- hour bezel and hand, independently adjustable 12-hour hand and a stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet.

USD 10,000 - 15,000

EUR 7,000 - 11,000 / CHF 11,000 - 17,000

Sold: USD 10,200

C. Three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back and crown, graduated 24-hour bezel for the second time zone, Twinlock winding crown protected by the crown guard, sapphire crystal with cyclops lens. D. Ivory with applied luminous round, triangular and baton steel indexes, aperture for the date. Luminous steel skeleton hands. M. Cal. 3085, rhodium-plated, 27 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures and 5 positions, shock absorber, self-compensating free-sprung Breguet balance spring, Microstella regulating screws, hack mechanism. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 40 mm. Thickness 13 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

It is believed that as a result of an error during manufacture, instead of the intended white colored paint, the paint used by Rolex was ivory-colored. Due to the model's lack of popularity, very few of these watches sold, making them extremely sought-after by today?s collectors. This reference also came with a black dial and later with a white dial.