Rolex Explorer II 16550 “Spider Dial”

Rolex Explorer II 16550 “Spider Dial”. Stainless steel 40mm diameter case with screw-down crown, water resistant up to 100 metres. Self-winding chronometer-certified 3085 calibre movement with independently adjustable 24-hour hand and approximately 50 hour power reserve. Fixed stainless steel bezel with engraved 24-hour graduations. Rare black “Spider” dial featuring a distinctive aged lacquer crackle effect, tritium luminescent hour markers and Mercedes hands. Central hours, minutes and seconds hands with date display located at the 3 o’clock position, enhanced by the cyclops lens. Sapphire crystal glass. Stainless steel Jubilee bracelet with folding clasp.

This full set includes the original punched warranty papers, original purchase receipt, original Rolex inner box, original Rolex outer box, Oyster booklet, Explorer II booklet, translation booklet, green serial swing tag (with original sales price), red COSC swing tag, Rolex document wallet. Box and papers are dated November 1985.

The Rolex Explorer II 16550 is one of the most collectible and transitional Explorer II references ever produced, blending vintage Rolex charm with modern functionality. Produced during the mid-1980s, the reference introduced the sapphire crystal, independently adjustable GMT hand and upgraded calibre 3085 movement to the Explorer II line. What makes this particular example especially desirable is the rare “Spiderweb” dial, where the lacquer finish has developed fine crack-like patterns over time, giving every dial a completely unique appearance highly sought after by collectors. Paired with a stainless steel Jubilee bracelet, the watch offers a distinctive combination of sportiness and refinement, while retaining the rugged tool-watch DNA that made the Explorer II famous.