{"product_id":"1985-rolex-explorer-ii-cream-lume-silver-hands-ref-16550","title":"1985 Rolex Explorer II Cream Lume Silver Hands (Ref. 16550)","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eWorth A Read\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2222\" data-start=\"2194\"\u003eHistory and Significance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"79\" data-end=\"562\"\u003eThe Rolex Explorer II reference 16550 sits in one of the more interesting transitional periods in Rolex sports watch history. Introduced in the mid-1980s, the 16550 replaced the long-running 1655 and completely modernized the Explorer II platform. Rolex increased the case size to 40mm, added sapphire crystal, introduced independently adjustable local hour functionality, and moved the model into a much more contemporary design language that would eventually evolve into the 16570.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"564\" data-end=\"1120\"\u003eEarly 16550 examples are especially collectible because of their small production window and the variety of dial configurations seen during the reference’s short run. This example features the highly desirable white “Polar” dial with white gold surrounds and silver hands, giving the watch a noticeably softer and more monochromatic appearance than later Polar Explorer II references that typically used black surrounds and black hands for higher contrast. The result feels distinctly more vintage despite the watch still carrying many modern Rolex traits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1122\" data-end=\"1570\"\u003eThe creamy lume throughout the dial and hands adds another layer of character here. Rather than uneven spotting or overly dark patina, the lume has aged consistently across the entire watch with a warm cream tone that contrasts beautifully against the bright white dial. Combined with the brushed steel bezel and slim red GMT hand, the watch captures that very specific late-1980s Rolex sport watch aesthetic that collectors continue chasing today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1815\" data-start=\"1792\"\u003eWriter’s Thoughts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1594\" data-end=\"2098\"\u003eThe silver hands completely change the feel of this watch in person. Most people are used to seeing Polar Explorer IIs with stark black surrounds and heavy contrast, but this one feels quieter and far more nuanced. Everything blends together in a really pleasing way until the red GMT hand cuts across the dial. The cream lume softens the entire watch too. It takes what could feel very clinical and gives it warmth without losing the tool-watch identity that makes these early Explorer IIs so appealing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2184\" data-start=\"2167\"\u003eOur Promise\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2663\" data-start=\"2425\"\u003eEvery watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. Each piece is offered in honest condition, ensuring collectors receive a timepiece that reflects both originality and integrity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2386\" data-end=\"2396\"\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rolex\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2405\" data-end=\"2415\"\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Explorer II (Ref. 16550)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2443\" data-end=\"2452\"\u003eYear:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1985\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2460\" data-end=\"2478\"\u003eCase Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stainless steel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2497\" data-end=\"2511\"\u003eCase Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 40mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2519\" data-end=\"2529\"\u003eBezel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fixed stainless steel 24-hour bezel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2568\" data-end=\"2577\"\u003eDial:\u003c\/strong\u003e White Polar dial with white gold surrounds, silver hands, and cream lume\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2653\" data-end=\"2666\"\u003eMovement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Automatic GMT\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2683\" data-end=\"2702\"\u003eStrap\/Bracelet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stainless steel Oyster bracelet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2737\" data-end=\"2754\"\u003eBuckle\/Clasp:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rolex folding clasp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2777\" data-end=\"2790\"\u003eContents:\u003c\/strong\u003e Watch only\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eCondition\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-is-intersecting=\"true\" data-turn-id-container=\"request-69b37331-b3ec-832b-9dd7-e354558c83a1-1\" class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"relative w-full overflow-visible\"\u003e\n\u003csection data-turn=\"assistant\" data-scroll-anchor=\"false\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-212\" data-turn-id-container=\"request-69b37331-b3ec-832b-9dd7-e354558c83a1-1\" data-turn-id=\"request-69b37331-b3ec-832b-9dd7-e354558c83a1-1\" dir=\"auto\" class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-turn-start-message=\"true\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-id=\"ced6f74e-500f-42a0-a018-b5e3f04f53d9\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full dark markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2819\" data-end=\"2828\"\u003eCase:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thick case with a recent polish. Well-preserved lug shape and consistent brushing throughout the case and bracelet. Light wear visible consistent with age. The slightly later bezel is in great shape with little fading\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3051\" data-end=\"3060\"\u003eDial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent white Polar dial with attractive cream lume aging across the markers and hands. White gold surrounds and silver hands remain especially clean and attractive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"435\" data-end=\"445\"\u003eHands:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent condition with attractive matching cream lume and light wear consistent with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"540\" data-end=\"552\"\u003eCrystal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clean overall with no visible wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"596\" data-end=\"615\"\u003eStrap\/Bracelet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rolex Oyster bracelet remains in excellent overall condition with light stretch and normal wear consistent with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48484670013623,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0553\/8391\/6727\/files\/DSF7603-2.jpg?v=1779389215","url":"https:\/\/huntingtoncompany.com\/products\/1985-rolex-explorer-ii-cream-lume-silver-hands-ref-16550","provider":"Huntington Company","version":"1.0","type":"link"}