1987 Rolex 16550 Chi-Chi Explorer II

Description: This 16550 which is the first explorer 2 to be housed with a sapphire crystal. It also houses the 3175 movement, shared with the fat lady GMT. Its number markers on the bezel are also much more bold and pronounced than its 16570 counterpart. Are we splitting hairs here? Likely, but that is the exact reason why we collect these vintage watches. This 16550 has polar Chi-Chi Dial, the “Chi-Chi” refers to the extreme yellow coloring present on the hands and dials of this Explorer II. These are one of the most desirable Explorer II’s and have traded at huge premiums comparable to the Panna Cream Explorer II’s. The case has been polished in the past but is thick and even and shows some of its factory beveling. The hands have been color matched to match the dial  

 Dial: Chi Chi Polar dial 

Insert: Steel Bezel  

Case: Excellent condition case 

Bracelet: Steel Oyster