Explorer II

[GradyPhilpott]

Good morning, gentlemen.

I posted over at "Watch Out" in hopes of getting some insight into a watch I looked at yesterday.

The link is here:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showpost...66&postcount=1

As you can see, there were some irregularities, which I've seen and read about before, though they may not be specific to the model in question.

As noted, the most glaring irregularity was the beat rate, which was decidedly slower than that on any of my Rolex watches, all bought in the last 3.5 years.

The owner said that he paid about $3800 for his watch at Ben Bridge and nine years ago. With tax, that's about what his watch would have cost.

Could a lack of service account for this.

I might also note that the watch's exterior was very dirty, not that that would affect the interior of the watch, but might reflect the care it has been given through the years.

[kilyung]

Depending on the age, it may have a 1575 movement with 5.5 bps. However, it would have to be older than 1985 otherwise it should have a 3135 movement with 8bps.

Disrepair would not change the beat rate.

[capote]

If its a polar (meaning white dial) the only candidates are 16550 and 16570 (the 1655 was only produced with a black dial). If it was bought 9 years ago it should be a 16570. You can see the difference in the font on the bezel. The 16550 has a more "computer" looking font, the 16550 should also have a 24 hour hand instead of a GMT hand, meaning, the latter is independent of the hour hand. Check the stacking of the hands, the 24 hour/GMT should be in the bottom. I would be careful if the magnification isn't looking good. As far as I know it should be the same for all Rolexes.

16550 - with white gold surroundings instead of black. Here also with a cream dial, only a few 16550 have that.



16570

[GradyPhilpott]

Thanks for the info.

I was unaware of the font type difference.

I'm always eager to learn.

I'm not interested in the watch and as far as I know it's not for sale. I was just chatting with the guy and giving him some advice on getting service and making a recommendation.

He said he'd called Rolex and they'd quoted him around $600.

He did not talk like a man wearing a fake.

However, there is still the oddity of the solid end-links and the lugholes and the beat rate.

Oh, well. Thanks again for the assistance.

[Adam K.]

sounds like one or more things about the watch are highly questionable.

Any 16550 or 16570 should have a 28.8K balance frequency---period. Anything slower would suggest maybe a redialed franken creation. As you know, the original Explorer II (1655 "Freccione"/McQueen) had a 1575 movement, and was slow beat---but the next generation of Explorer IIs moved to the 28.8 frequency.

Same with the SELs--the Explorer II (Ref 16570 by then) didn't get a solid end link until around year 2000 (P series, as I recall). So either he got an SEL bracelet on later--something that may require a little bit of fudging, due to differences in the springbars--or he has the head on an aftermarket Oyster bracelet of some sort.

[GradyPhilpott]

Actually, he said he's done nothing to the watch and if you could see it, you wouldn't question that.

It was caked with crud.

All I cans say is that the only Rolex I've ever seen with my own eyes with a slow beat-rate was purchased in 1965 and belongs to a friend.

I told him he had an "odd-bird," but of course, I did not question the watches authenticity.

I go to that restaurant regularly, so maybe the next time I see him, I can get an update.

I recommended that he have it serviced by my AD's watchmaker.

I also told him how important it is to keep a watch clean to avoid excessive wear of the bracelet.