Rolex Explorer II 16550 - Black Tritium Dial - Stunning Patina

Rolex Explorer II 16550 The reference 1655 marked the debut of the Rolex Explorer II in 1971, showcasing a distinctly retro design that set it apart from later models. Its bezel displayed the Explorer II's signature 24-hour scale, but with hash marks between the numerals rather than the inverted triangles seen on successors. The dial featured square hour markers, straight hands, and the bright orange "Freccione" arrow hand—a feature that would not return until the ref. 216570 was introduced for the model's 40th anniversary in 2011. In the mid-1980s, the ref. 16550 replaced the original Explorer II, ushering in a new chapter as the first five-digit reference in the series. This transitional model preserved the spirit of the 1655 but introduced modern enhancements. The case increased by one millimeter to 40mm, the acrylic crystal was replaced with a scratch-resistant sapphire, and Rolex upgraded the movement to the higher-beat Caliber 3085 Perpetual. Notably, the dial design was updated with round hour markers and Rolex's iconic Mercedes hands, while the orange hand was replaced with a longer red arrow hand, adding a white dial option to the collection for the first time. Rolex produced the ref. 16550 for only a few years before it was succeeded by the ref. 16570 in 1989. The current example is dated from 1984, features a stunning black tritium dial. The watch has been kept in great condition.