ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

14060man · 14 July 2008, 10:37 AM

Hi

What year was white dial introduced on Explorer II? What was the reasoning behind the white dial? Did it improve the tool watch usefulness of the Explorer II over the black dial, or was it just a cosmetic option?

mike · 14 July 2008, 10:57 AM

Somewhere around late 1985 or so with the introduction of the reference 16550.
For the first time the EXP II could now be had with a choice of dial colors (Black and White).

Interestingly,due to a flaw in the paint mixture used in early whites, the dial faded to a "cream" color. It's become a desirable watch to collectors.

NOT MY PHOTO

For a while most collectors shyed away from not rail versions, but as with all things Rolex verified examples have come to light and some collectors add these to the cream mix. Noteworthy: fakes are out there. Baking the dial is something to be aware of in studying these pieces.

I don't know if it "improved" anything. It's a fantastic looking watch. My son picked my white EXP II as a college graduation piece in a heartbeat.

His watch (my photo LOL!)

14060man · 14 July 2008, 12:47 PM

Which version of Explorer II is more versatile - can be worn with jeans casual and/or suit? The white dial or black dial?

Thanks!

leopardprey · 14 July 2008, 01:26 PM

IMHO, Black dial is more versatile. Black dial can be worn with anything. White is very nice though. I have owned both in the past, but preferred the Black Dial. Hands were easier to see in low light on the black dial version as well.

cbsmohai · 14 July 2008, 02:03 PM

As much as I'd like to think I'd enjoy the black dialed version, the white is such a beautiful look!!

14 July 2008, 10:37 AM	#1
14060man "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: usa Posts: 239	Explorer II - what year was white dial introduced? Hi What year was white dial introduced on Explorer II? What was the reasoning behind the white dial? Did it improve the tool watch usefulness of the Explorer II over the black dial, or was it just a cosmetic option?

14 July 2008, 10:57 AM	#2
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,683	Somewhere around late 1985 or so with the introduction of the reference 16550. For the first time the EXP II could now be had with a choice of dial colors (Black and White). Interestingly,due to a flaw in the paint mixture used in early whites, the dial faded to a "cream" color. It's become a desirable watch to collectors. NOT MY PHOTO For a while most collectors shyed away from not rail versions, but as with all things Rolex verified examples have come to light and some collectors add these to the cream mix. Noteworthy: fakes are out there. Baking the dial is something to be aware of in studying these pieces. I don't know if it "improved" anything. It's a fantastic looking watch. My son picked my white EXP II as a college graduation piece in a heartbeat. His watch (my photo LOL!)

14 July 2008, 12:47 PM	#3
14060man "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: usa Posts: 239	Which version of Explorer II is more versatile - can be worn with jeans casual and/or suit? The white dial or black dial? Thanks!

14 July 2008, 01:26 PM	#4
leopardprey Banned Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Chad Location: Around the world Watch: Panerai 233 Posts: 4,204	IMHO, Black dial is more versatile. Black dial can be worn with anything. White is very nice though. I have owned both in the past, but preferred the Black Dial. Hands were easier to see in low light on the black dial version as well.

14 July 2008, 02:03 PM	#5
cbsmohai "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Travis Location: Central Texas Watch: Sub Date 16610 Posts: 284	As much as I'd like to think I'd enjoy the black dialed version, the white is such a beautiful look!!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)