Explorer II (Second Generation)
Introduced in 1985, the second-generation Explorer II ref. 16550 brought a 40 mm case, sapphire crystal and calibre 3085 with an independently adjustable local-hour hand. The 24-hour hand could therefore serve as a second-time-zone display, making ref. 16550 the clearest search key on the pre-owned market.
History timeline
1985
New Generation
Explorer II
Explore the Lineage
- 1971 — Rolex Explorer II (First Generation)
- 1985 — Rolex Explorer II (Second Generation)Currently viewing
- 2011 — Rolex Explorer II (42 mm Generation)
- 2021 — Rolex Explorer II (2021 Generation)Current model
No longer available for purchase directly.
Source: MONOCHROME — History of the Rolex Explorer II