The Rolex Explorer II, born out of necessity like other tool watches in the brand's catalog, quickly became a coveted collector's item. The introduction of reference 16550 marked a significant milestone as the first Explorer II to feature a white dial, adding a touch of sophistication to its utilitarian design. Despite its short production span, lasting only a few years, reference 16550 left a lasting impression before Rolex replaced it with the ref. 16570 in 1989.
The Rolex Explorer II, born out of necessity like other tool watches in the brand's catalog, quickly became a coveted collector's item. The introduction of reference 16550 marked a significant milestone as the first Explorer II to feature a white dial, adding a touch of sophistication to its utilitarian design. Despite its short production span, lasting only a few years, reference 16550 left a lasting impression before Rolex replaced it with the ref. 16570 in 1989.