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uberman20 · 23 September 2009, 08:45 AM

Hi All,

Once again seeking the advice of the experts

It looks like I might have a Explorer II 16550 (Creme Dial) within striking distance: I admit, though, that I really don't know much about the history of the watch (other than knowing that the Creme Dial is due to a happy defect

) I happened to fall in love with this peculiar watch, because a friend's father has one in his collection and I just thought it looked so cool!

Can anyone who owns the 16550 (or knows about Explorer IIs) speak to what makes the Creme Dial so special? Is it worth the hype? Is a Rail or Non-Rail a more sought after dial?

Anyways, much of the information on this watch seems only anecdotal and incomplete in other posts I've searched here, but apologies if I missed some obvious resource.

Thanks!

Charlie

SLS · 23 September 2009, 09:30 AM

From memory all Cream Dial Exp II are rail dials. They were produced from around 1984 to 1986. 8 or 9 million serial number is an acceptable range for these. Any Pics???
Scott

greekbum · 23 September 2009, 09:43 AM

Have a look
http://bjsonline.com/watches/articles/0016.shtml

The rail dial means that the c in chronometer and the c in certified are aligned.It also differs from a later explorer because the dial has white gold surrounds.The rail dial 84-86 was made by the stern company and had a paint defect that turned the dial from white to cream

uberman20 · 23 September 2009, 09:55 AM

Wow! Thanks for the quick helpful/replies

The particular 16550 I am thinking of buying is actually on its way to the venerable Steve Mulholland as we speak! So when he gets it I know he will pass along a fair assessment of the watch and its value (I'll pass along those pics when I get them!)

In terms of purchasing a Creme 16550 I just want to make sure I buy a watch for better reasons than "it looks so pretty"... the lady in my life would not be too happy with that explanation

Lamone · 23 September 2009, 12:54 PM

My brother has an Expy II 16570 with a cream dial an "E" series. I remember when he bought it on 1991, somehow around '97 the dial started "creaming".

23 September 2009, 08:45 AM	#1
uberman20 Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Charlie Location: Milwaukee, WI Watch: Rolex Sub., 1680 Posts: 23	Explorer II 16550 Creme Dial (What's the deal)? Hi All, Once again seeking the advice of the experts It looks like I might have a Explorer II 16550 (Creme Dial) within striking distance: I admit, though, that I really don't know much about the history of the watch (other than knowing that the Creme Dial is due to a happy defect ) I happened to fall in love with this peculiar watch, because a friend's father has one in his collection and I just thought it looked so cool! Can anyone who owns the 16550 (or knows about Explorer IIs) speak to what makes the Creme Dial so special? Is it worth the hype? Is a Rail or Non-Rail a more sought after dial? Anyways, much of the information on this watch seems only anecdotal and incomplete in other posts I've searched here, but apologies if I missed some obvious resource. Thanks! Charlie

23 September 2009, 09:30 AM	#2
SLS "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Real Name: Scott Location: GMT -7 Watch: GMT's & Sub's Posts: 10,399	From memory all Cream Dial Exp II are rail dials. They were produced from around 1984 to 1986. 8 or 9 million serial number is an acceptable range for these. Any Pics??? Scott __________________ "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of lower price is forgotten." -Benjamin Franklin Member No. 922

23 September 2009, 09:43 AM	#3
greekbum "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Nikos Location: Florida Watch: Rolex GMT 16750 Posts: 8,415	Have a look http://bjsonline.com/watches/articles/0016.shtml The rail dial means that the c in chronometer and the c in certified are aligned.It also differs from a later explorer because the dial has white gold surrounds.The rail dial 84-86 was made by the stern company and had a paint defect that turned the dial from white to cream __________________ Follow Me On Instagram @nickgogas Original Owner ROLEX 16750 GMT Daily Wearer For Over 13,000 Days And Counting

23 September 2009, 09:55 AM	#4
uberman20 Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Charlie Location: Milwaukee, WI Watch: Rolex Sub., 1680 Posts: 23	Wow! Thanks for the quick helpful/replies The particular 16550 I am thinking of buying is actually on its way to the venerable Steve Mulholland as we speak! So when he gets it I know he will pass along a fair assessment of the watch and its value (I'll pass along those pics when I get them!) In terms of purchasing a Creme 16550 I just want to make sure I buy a watch for better reasons than "it looks so pretty"... the lady in my life would not be too happy with that explanation

23 September 2009, 12:54 PM	#5
Lamone Banned Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NYC Watch: ya mawt! Posts: 3,448	My brother has an Expy II 16570 with a cream dial an "E" series. I remember when he bought it on 1991, somehow around '97 the dial started "creaming".

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