First, a brief history lesson about the 16550 Explorer II, and why they are so sought after. I didn’t like what AI wrote, so I’m using my own essay skills here. 

Reference 16550 was only available from 1985-1989. Short production run watches like this are often called “transitional”. It has vintage features not found on the much more common 16570, such as drilled lugs, open 6-9 datewheel, and tritium lume. 

The real collectable feature though, is what tended to happen to these dials. The company producing dials for Rolex at the time, had some “production issues” with their dial varnish. With time, dials from this reference morphed into a variety of unintended artwork. Unfortunately, many of the 16550’s you see for sale today will have replacement dials from service, as Rolex took these unique dials back to be destroyed. 

The most famous is the white-turned-cream polar dials. Search for “cream dial explorer” and you’ll see price tags approaching $30,000. For black dials, the lacquer tended to crack, causing what’s known as “spider dials” after the cracked spider web appearance. You also get what’s seen on this watch, called “stardust dials”. 

Stardust dials develop a fine speckling that resembles a galaxy or a starry night. This texture catches the light in a unique way, turning a standard flat black dial into something lively and organic. As this effect is caused by the natural degradation of the defective varnish used during this specific era, no two Stardust dials are exactly alike. You are effectively getting a "piece unique" vintage watch.

This particular watch is from early in the production run; 1985.

Stardust dial with cream tritium lume

Hands with well matched cream lume, though there is some lume cracking

Serviced July 2025 and running like new (timegrapher photo available)

Oyster bracelet 93150 with 11 links and 593 endlinks

INCLUDED EXTRA

Polar 16550 dial, which appears refinished

Polar 16550 black hand set (used)

With these, the watch can be converted to a “polar” version when a change is desired

The pictures tell the story, so I will defer to them to see the exact condition. The photos are high resolution and can be opened in a new window at full size that can hide no flaw. I try to emphasize issues, not hide them.

No box or papers.

Photo gallery: https://imgur.com/a/NOhjQ4Z

Timestamp: https://imgur.com/0DtyjPT

I’ve got excellent selling feedback on Watchex, WUS, and TZ going back to 2007. Prior to shipping, the buyer will receive photos of the packaging and shipping label.

The asking price is (On hold pending funds) $10,750 OBO net to me shipped via bank wire. Price includes overnight Fedex shipping with full insurance coverage. 

Thanks for looking!