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Lot Essay
With Rolex punched Garantie and stamped by Zurich Watch Co. in Kowloon on 17 July 1986.
Among collectors, the present watch with ivory-coloured dial is without doubt the most sought-after version of all reference 16550 watches. This ivory/cream dial is special both because of its very warm and eye-pleasing tone and because of the way the "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" is displayed. Also known as "rail dial" it is distinguished by the symmetric division of the two lines below the centre: "Superlative" and "Officially" to the left, clearly separated by a vertical space (thus "rail"), and "Chronometer" and "Certified" to the right.
While dials in white and black exist for this fine Explorer II reference, the "ivory rail dial" model was produced in a very small series only.
Among collectors, the present watch with ivory-coloured dial is without doubt the most sought-after version of all reference 16550 watches. This ivory/cream dial is special both because of its very warm and eye-pleasing tone and because of the way the "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" is displayed. Also known as "rail dial" it is distinguished by the symmetric division of the two lines below the centre: "Superlative" and "Officially" to the left, clearly separated by a vertical space (thus "rail"), and "Chronometer" and "Certified" to the right.
While dials in white and black exist for this fine Explorer II reference, the "ivory rail dial" model was produced in a very small series only.