Which is the first generation explorer ll 16550 bezel?

[onefive15]

Hi,

I have a 16550 explorer ll with a bezel look like a 16570 bezel because I am not the original owner so I thought that the previous owner replace it new but when I search the internet, I found out the earilest 16550 serials starts with 8millions has the bezel that look like the 16570, is it true? because mine start: 84xxx so it's the first batch made in 1984. any help would very appreciate. Thanks you all very much.

here are some links to this theory:
1. http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/l...D=5158570&sid=

2. http://www.network54.com/Forum/20759...neration+bezel

3. http://www.network54.com/Forum/20759...-%29++Question

[jedly1]

its been argued about a lot...mostly because the bezel shown in the handbook is of the later style also...but then this also an artists impression of the watch so isnt worth much of a damn.... the service type is usually suggested to be 'correct' by people who have one for sale or have sold one to someone as all original ...same as the swiss <25 t is cream:)..


..... you'll see from the vrf discussion most people hold the view that the original square font is the original... the other is a 16570 and then there is finally a Rolex rsc service bezel 16550 style with the later font and different type of application of black paint

[onefive15]

Thanks Jedly1:) So most collector assume the original square font is the true bezel right? because I just want every things to be right, I don't want the feeling that I am wearing a mess up Rolex and thinking it is a original one:)

PS.thanks very much for your kindness help:) I have not yet received the bezel, I will inform you when I got it:)

[onefive15]

And it is so funny today, I took this watch to a AD in my area to check if it's authenticity and the guy in the store told me the watch feels heavy and it feels real but he told me that the dial don't look right!? it should be black or white! they never saw it in cream color! can you belive that! so I have to tell them this is a rare cream dial -LOL

[jedly1]

yes... it is just like the argument over dials ...the bezel for sure correct is the square font... stick to that!!

dont forget Rolex AD's know very little about vintage ... never take their advice :)

the old thought was that Rolex didn't recognise cream dials... only as white dials that had turned a funny colour... but in USA which issued it own papers ( as it is a separate company).. there was a time where they typed a code to represent dial colour on to the papers... for white 50.. for black 30... for cream dials you always see 12 on this type of papers ... so they must have recognised/known these were a different colour... and more importantly this proves they did not change colour later !!

[Spark]

As far as I am aware this is the correct bezel for the 16550 and lovely it is too.

[onefive15]

Thanks Spark, Great watch you got there:) That black dial really catches your eye! I think I will get that one next time, if the funds is allowed.

[onefive15]

Actually when I was very young, back in 1997 or 98 I had my first Rolex seadweller when I was in Macu, I bought it pre-owned in a pawn shop like new no box or papper only for 2500 USD, I was impressed by it's look even though I don't know how to swim:) but after a while I got bored and my friends are laughing at me said "you don't even swim, why you bought it for" so I sold it and switch to IWC, now I wish I had kept it, maybe it will worth more.