20,700 CHF
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date, 'Explorer II', Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified, Ref. 16550,circa 1986.Extremely rare and fine, center-seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel gentleman'swristwatch. Accompanied by a stainless steel Oyster 'Flush-Fit' bracelet. three-body, polished and brushed, screwed down dedicated case back and crown, steel bezel graduated in 24hours. Cal. 3085, rhodium plated, 27 jewels, lever escapement,monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures and 5 positions, shock-absorber, self-compensating Breguetbalance-spring.Dial, case and movement signed.Diam. 39 mm. Notes Engraved on the case back: 'North Geomag Pole 87 - C.B.'The 'Explorer II' model, Ref. 1655, dates back to the 1970's and is called by collectors: 'The Steve Mc Queen watch'.Created for speleologists, the additional orange hand helps the user to distinguish the nocturnal from the diurnal hours.This model remained in the Rolex catalogues until 1982, then, from 1983 to 1988, the reference 16550 was availablewith white or black dial.The present watch was made in 1986. The explorer Carlo Bondavalli has a great use of the revolving graduated bezelin 24 hours, while at the Pole, the days last 24 hours.This watch was worn by Carlo Bondavalli, Explorer, who made an expedition in March-April 1987 to an unexploredterritory at the extreme north-east part of Groenland, at 1200 m. altitude, to report on scientific maps,' theGeomagnetic Pole', the cross-point of Read more…
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2000-11-19
