Rolex Explorer II Ref 16550 Help

[FreddysDad]

Hey Vintage Rolex Friends,

Long time viewer, first time poster, I'm looking for some assistance understanding my Rolex Explorer II Ref 16550.

I've been in possession of this piece for about 2.5 years and I'd like to better understand what I have.

I do not have service history, box, or papers for this piece and am I came into it that way.

I know I have gold hands, black dial markers, no rail dial, and I haven't seen the movement with my own eyes but I would expect it to be a 3085.

My serial is 97204## and the case clearly identifies it as a 16550.

I would appreciate insight, observations, and thought from this community.

Also, apologies for the photo quality. I had a hard time decreasing the image size from my phone to one compatible with this forum.

Thank you so much!

[21hbullo]

Hi there, sorry don't know very much but just to say this is an epic watch!

I've just bought a black dial 16570, which is the 1989 revamp of the explorer ii.
From my research on which explorer I wanted to get, I believe the 16550 was started in the early 80s and was run for a few years. The yellowing patina on the hour pips (sorry not sure on the professional term) is decayed tritium!