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Rolex. A rare stainless steel automatic wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, date, 24 hour hand, bracelet, ivory-coloured "rail" dial, guarantee and box

SIGNED ROLEX, OYSTER PERPETUAL DATE, EXPLORER II, REF. 16550, MOVEMENT NO. 1'693'597, CASE NO. 9'695'196, MANUFACTURED IN 1986

Details

Rolex. A rare stainless steel automatic wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, date, 24 hour hand, bracelet, ivory-coloured "rail" dial, guarantee and box
Signed Rolex, Oyster Perpetual Date, Explorer II, ref. 16550, movement no. 1'693'597, case no. 9'695'196, manufactured in 1986
Cal. 3085 automatic movement, 27 jewels, ivory-coloured dial, luminous dot, baton and dagger numerals, white gold luminous mercedes hands, sweep centre seconds, magnified window for date, central luminous 24 hour hand, tonneau-shaped water-resistant-type case with screw back and screw down crown, bezel calibrated for 24 hours, stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, case, dial and movement signed
40 mm. diam.

Special notice

Prospective buyers should be aware that the importation of Rolex watches into the United States is highly restricted. Rolex watches may not be shipped into the USA and can only be imported personally. Generally a buyer may import only one watch into the USA. For further information please contact our specialists in charge of the sale. Please note other countries may have comparable import restrictions for luxury watches.

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Dr. Nathalie Monbaron

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Lot Essay

With Rolex original guarantee and original invoice of Williams, Jewelers Of Brookrigde, Colorado , both dated 30 July 1987, seal, Rolex Oyster and Rolex Explorer booklets. Furthermore delivered with Rolex original fitted green presentation box and outer packaging.

The present Explorer II model is from the very first series of reference 16550, introduced into the market in 1985 and replacing reference 1655. It features the much sought after ivory dial, also called "rail dial". The name is derived from the warm ivory-colour of the dial in conjunction with the symmetric division of the two lines below the centre: "Superlative" and "Officially" to the left, clearly separated by a vertical space (thus "rail"), and "Chronometer" and "Certified" to the right.

The "ivory" or "rail" Explorer II models were produced in a very small series only and are considered highly collectable in today's market.

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