{"product_id":"vintage-rolex-explorer-ii-16550-polar-rail-dial-40mm-steel-automatic-watch","title":"Vintage Rolex Explorer II 16550 Polar Rail Dial 40mm Steel Automatic Watch","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRolex Explorer II 16550 \"Rail Dial\" – Ref. 16550 (Stainless Steel \/ White Dial \/ Oyster Bracelet \/ 40mm)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Watch Details:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYear:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1986 (Approximately)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Used (Good) Moderate wear from regular use, including scratches or minor dents. Bracelet may be stretched. Engravings may show wear. May have been lightly polished. Please see photos.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Bezel looks like someone attempted to repaint the numbers, Dial \u0026amp; Hands are original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInclusions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Service Box, Service Booklet, Cloth, Service Warranty Paper dated 1994\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBracelet\/Strap:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stainless steel Oyster bracelet with Oysterclasp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStock Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1681\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGeneral Information:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rolex\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Explorer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Explorer II 16550 \"Rail Dial\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReference Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 16550\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMovement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rolex Caliber 3085 – Automatic; Date\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCase Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stainless Steel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBezel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stainless Steel 24-hour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sapphire\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCase Back:\u003c\/strong\u003e Solid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCase Diameter:\u003c\/strong\u003e 40mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDial:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColor:\u003c\/strong\u003e White\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIndexes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tritium hour markers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHands:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tritium hands\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tritium lume\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNickname:\u003c\/strong\u003e Polar dial, Rail Dial\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Rolex Explorer II 16550 \"Rail Dial\" – Ref. 16550 (Stainless Steel \/ White Dial \/ Oyster Bracelet \/ 40mm):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16550, often referred to as the \"Polar,\" is a transitional model produced approximately from 1984 to 1988\/1989. This reference bridges the gap between the vintage Ref. 1655, known as the \"Steve McQueen,\" and the modern Ref. 16570. It features a 40mm stainless steel case, a sapphire crystal, and the Caliber 3085 movement, which introduced an independent \"jumping\" local hour hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollectors appreciate the Ref. 16550 for its \"Rail Dial\" layout, where the letter \"C\" in \"Chronometer\" aligns vertically with the \"C\" in \"Certified,\" creating a distinct parallel or rail-like vertical spacing. The tritium lumes on this model have aged beautifully into a rich, custard-like ivory or cream color, often referred to as \"Panna.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eAll images provided are of the actual watch you will receive.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eFor added assurance, please contact us directly with any questions.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThis watch may or may not include specific parts, booklets, or accessories. Please read the listing carefully.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWe use a macro lens for our photos, which may make imperfections appear larger or more pronounced than they actually are.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54601681797403,"sku":null,"price":28499.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0795\/2318\/4923\/files\/57_122290dd-f9de-4b93-9439-686e009bbe67.jpg?v=1794446755","url":"https:\/\/thewatchtrader.com\/products\/vintage-rolex-explorer-ii-16550-polar-rail-dial-40mm-steel-automatic-watch","provider":"The Watch Trader","version":"1.0","type":"link"}