Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Hong Kong, Apr 25, 2021
LOT 243
ROLEX
REF. 16550 EXPLORER II PROTOTYPE, WHITE COLOR NIPPLE DIAL, STEEL
REF. 16550 EXPLORER II PROTOTYPE, WHITE COLOR NIPPLE DIAL, STEEL
HKD 360,000 - 500,000
USD 46,400 - 64,500 / CHF 43,200 - 60,000
Sold: HKD 475,000
Fine, prototype, rare, stainless steel, self-winding wristwatch with white color nipple dial, date and 24h indicator.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: |
|
Case: 2-8 |
Very good Slightly scratched |
Movement: 2* |
Very good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 2-6-01 |
Very good Slightly oxidized HANDS Original |
Brand Rolex
Model Explorer II Prototype, Nipple Dial
Reference 16550
Year Circa 1984
Movement No. 1070280
Case No. 8399226
Bracelet Stainless steel Rolex 78360 Oyster bracelet and 501B end link with deployant clasp, approx. overall length 190 mm
Caliber 3085
Dimensions Ø 39mm
Signature Case, Dial and Movement
Notes
Rolex Explorer II 16550 (prototype dial)
Rolex Ref. 16550 Explorer II was produced in 1984 as the successor to the beloved Ref. 1655. This reference equipped with a new generation of movement cal. 3085 that includes a ground-breaking independently adjustable GMT hand. With its sapphire crystal glass and the newly designed dial, this reference indeed set the tone for the later Explorer II references.
This example has a prototype dial featuring ‘Nipple Dial’, a specific type of dial usually found on gold or gold/steel GMT-Master from the same period. It was nicknamed for its slightly protruding metal hour markers. It was believed that this prototype design was firstly seen at Basel Fair of 1982 but was then put on hold by the brand.
To the best of our knowledge, this white version prototype is fresh to the market.