Explorer II Caliber 3185 with 78360 501B Bracelet

[Rocco]

As per the title, I am looking at a friends Explorer II Caliber 3185 with 78360 501B Bracelet. No box no papers.
Looking online the caliber 3185 should be the 16570, but the bracelets on the 16570 is the one with the safety lock the 78790. This particular one has the one without safety the 16550.

Could somebody enlighten me?

[Rocco]

The dial is a Swiss -T <25

[Dan S]

Normally a watch is described by the reference number, not the movement caliber. What is the reference on the case, between the lugs. Just remove the bracelet and look.

[Rocco]

Serial is W9 and confirmed that ref is 16570

Can you tell me more about this Serial if it is at all special?

[TuRo]

W9 - Is that first two digits of the the serial, or is it that the clasp code stamp?

If clasp code which should be a non-fliplock 78360 (correct for yr of 1995) and appropriate for an early to mid 90s tritium 16570.

If however it's the serial number W9**,***, good news is that's also 1995 ish, and again correct for a tritium dial 16570.

[Tools]

A 16550 is the previous reference Exp II and uses the 3085 movement, although visually the 16550 and 16570 look the same.

I would not be surprised to see the 78360 bracelet on early release 16570 models, it was not exclusive to the 16550.

A W serial is mid-90's, so I also would not be surprised to see a bracelet exchange. Check the date code on the bracelet clasp to see if it corresponds to the dating of this Exp II.

The only difference on the two bracelets, 78360 and 78790, is the clasp.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Rocco

Serial is W9 and confirmed that ref is 16570

Can you tell me more about this Serial if it is at all special?

I am not reading anything special or concerning. However, if you really want accurate feedback, it would be preferable to post a comprehensive set of good photos.