Rolex Explorer 11 16550 1986 Collectors
About the Item
- Creator:
- Design:Explorer II WatchExplorer Collection
- Case Material:
- Movement:
- Case Dimensions:Height: 1.54 in (39 mm)Width: 1.54 in (39 mm)
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1986
- Condition:Repaired: As per description. Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:
Rolex
While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.
Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.
But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.
But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.
Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.
The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.
Find vintage Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- Rolex Lady-Datejust 69174 Box and Papers 1987By RolexLocated in London, GBThis beautiful Rolex Lady Datejust is presented in excellent condition accompanied with original Rolex papers dated April 1987. Also included is the original box along, swing tag, ma...Category
Vintage 1980s Central American Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel
- ATP British Military unsignedLocated in London, GBWatch: ATP British Military Unsigned Stock Number: CHW5298 Price: £500.00 At the beginning of world war two, The British Army needed watches for its troops fighting overseas. They acquired watches from many brands under the new Army Trade Pattern or A.T.P. These watches were often civilian watches slightly modified to meet the hurried specification issued by the British Army. This is a civilian watch issued with Army paybook ref engraved on caseback quite a rare occurrence as the watch finish is to retail standard and not military. Measuring 31mm diameter and 38mm lug to lug. Stainless steel case with screwback. Mid case composite chrome base metal bezel...Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel
- West End Watch Company Secundus Indian Army WatchBy West End Watch CompanyLocated in London, GBWatch: West End Watch Company - Secundus Stock Number: CHW5424 Price: £495.00 This West End Watch Company Secundus model watch was sold and issued to the Indian Army mainly serving in 1922 across Iran, Egypt, Mesopotamia and Palestine. Generally, not recognised as a military issued watch however being clearly marked, in our view it is just that, a rare Indian Military watch White Enamel dial with both steel hands and. Dial stamped hour markers with the 12 in red and subsidiary seconds above the 6. For the age of the watch the movement is in good order. 30mm steel case fitted to a generic brown leather strap and buckle, period looking. A small watch...Category
Vintage 1920s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel
- Hamilton British Military W10-6645-99By HamiltonLocated in London, GBWatch: Hamilton British Military W10-6645-99 Stock Number: CHW5295 Price: £895.00 This Hamilton British Ministry of Defence wristwatch was produced for the RAF around 1975. Presente...Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel
- Heuer Autavia GMT 1163By HeuerLocated in London, GBWe are fortunate to be able to offer this stunning original Heuer Autavia GMT. A piece that will take centre stage! It goes without saying a much so...Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel
- Tudor Chronautic Chronograph 79390/P Full Set 2007By TudorLocated in London, GBThis very rare Tudor Chronautic is presented in both excellent working order as well as condition and is accompanied by its inner and outer boxes, manuals, wallet and warranty card d...Category
Early 2000s British Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel
- Vintage Rolex Explorer II Spider Rail Dial 16550By RolexLocated in London, GBA striking Explorer II by Rolex, featuring an extremely rare and sought-after "rail" dial with a glossy black dial that has attainted a unique spider web-like design located on the dial. The watch further features a red 24-hour hand and a fixed stainless steel bezel with an engraved 24-hour display. This one-of-a-kind timepiece is fitted with a sapphire glass, a automatic movement and a stainless steel oyster bracelet equipped with a deployant clasp. In excellent condition, this vintage timepiece...Category
Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rolex Explorer II stainless steel Automatic Wristwatch Ref 16550By RolexLocated in Surfside, FLRolex Explorer II in stainless steel with fliplock oyster bracelet & yellow toned luminescence. Auto w/ sweep seconds and date. 39 mm case size. **Bank wire only at this price** Ref ...Category
Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rolex Explorer IIBy RolexLocated in Oyster Bay, NYThis Rolex Explorer II 1655 has a black baton dial and a bracelet strap. Tritium ("T SWISS T") dial, with indices, hour, minute and seconds hand...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel
- Rolex Explorer IIBy RolexLocated in Oyster Bay, NYOutside of its great size, the 16570 is a classic example of the collection, complete with a fixed 24-hour outer bezel, familiar dial configuration and signature GMT hand, and of course a small "Explorer II" script just below a printed Rolex...Category
20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel
- Rolex Explorer II 216570By RolexLocated in London, GBA men's Explorer II wristwatch in Oyster steel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with applied hour markers, a date aperture, and an orange 24-hour hand. Com...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rolex Explorer II 16570By RolexLocated in London, GBA 40mm Explorer II by Rolex in stainless steel. Features a black dial with a date aperture and a red 24-hour hand, complemented by fixed a stainless steel fixed with a 24-hour displa...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Rolex: 13+ Expert Tips
Learn the devious techniques that counterfeiters use to sell inauthentic pieces at authentic prices. Of course, you don't have to worry about that on 1stDibs, where every seller of Rolex watches is highly vetted.
Rolex Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know about Choosing the Right Watch
From understanding the models to choosing among vintage, pre-owned and new watches, here’s our expert advice on finding the best Rolex for you.