Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Hong Kong, Apr 25, 2021
LOT 244
ROLEX
REF. 16550 EXPLORER II PROTOTYPE, BLACK COLOR NIPPLE DIAL, STEEL
REF. 16550 EXPLORER II PROTOTYPE, BLACK COLOR NIPPLE DIAL, STEEL
HKD 300,000 - 400,000
USD 38,700 - 51,600 / CHF 36,000 - 48,000
Sold: HKD 512,500
Fine, prototype, rare, stainless steel, self-winding wristwatch with black 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 1986
Movement No. 1499399
Case No. 9376077
Bracelet Stainless steel Rolex 78360 Oyster bracelet and 501B end link with deployant clasp, approx.overall length 180 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, only three examples of this black version prototype had been seen in the market. The first one was auctioned by Christie’s in 2008 and the second one was auctioned by Antiquorum in 2020.