Difference between Exp II 16570 and 16550?

[sciguy77]

I've never seen the 16550 in person, so I'm not completely sure how it differs from the 16570, the dial seems to have a more cream color, and the bracelet looks different. Is it smaller as well? How does it compare to the 16570 price wise?

[Hannes]

The 16550 came with both dials. First cream them white.
The 16570 is only white (both were also available in black).
The 16550 has silver hands and markers but they are black on the 16570.
The have different movements (3085 vs 3185) and the numbers
on the bezel look different.

That should be it.


The 16550 is more expensive particularly with the cream dial and
the origial bezel with the different writing.


16550:


16570:



Hope that helps

[Nicko16]

Always a great source of information Hannes!

[JBHII]

Hannes is the man.

[sciguy77]

The 16550 came with both dials. First cream them white.
The 16570 is only white (both were also available in black).
The 16550 has silver hands and markers but they are black on the 16570.
The have different movements (3085 vs 3185) and the numbers
on the bezel look different.

That should be it.


The 16550 is more expensive particularly with the cream dial and
the origial bezel with the different writing.

Ah, that was incredibly helpful. Thanks Hannes! How exactly do the movements differ? Is the 3185 better than the 3085 or are they equal? I think I read somewhere that the 3085 is ~31 jewels, is that the same as the 3185?

[JBHII]

I'm going to move this over to the Vintage Rolex Forum so some folks there to chime in.

[AAKVIPER]

The 16550 was equipped with the 3085 caliber, the same one found in the 16760 GMT.
On the other hand the 16570 uses a newer Rolex 3185 caliber.
Both cases are identical in size and use the same crown, case back, bezel and crystal size. The dials are also interchangeable on both Explorer models as well.

Explorer II 16550 was originally produced in both a black and white sliver marker dial format with silver hands. A rail font configuration can be found on both black and white dials with white markers . A cream color anomaly has been found regarding the white dials. This was due to a paint and lacquer defect in the 1980's. Over time these white dials happen to turn a darker shade of white. One other note is, the bezel from the 16550 has fatter and shorter fonts .

The 16570 has black markers and black outlined hands to offer better contrast on the white dial version. The bezel fonts are thinner and longer on the 16570.

Some scans of the early 16550, I hope this brief history helps, Arthur

[AAflyboy]

really looking forward to the introduction of the new Explorer II next year. any new info out there?

[civas04]

Hi guys
I own this 16550 serial R....what do you all think about it?

[AAKVIPER]

Arthur