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Nicolas (amanico) brings to light a fascinating and often contentious topic within the collector community: the emergence of 'prototype' Rolex watches on the market. His post, featuring images of a Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16550 prototype from Antiquorum, prompts a critical discussion on the authenticity and market implications of such rare offerings. This article delves into the community's skepticism and insights regarding these unique pieces.
The Rolex Explorer II reference 16550 represents a transitional period for the model, bridging the gap between the vintage four-digit references and the modern five-digit iterations. It introduced significant updates while retaining some classic elements. This reference is notable for being the first Explorer II to feature a sapphire crystal and a quickset date function, enhancing its practicality and durability compared to its predecessors. It also marked the introduction of the caliber 3085 movement.
This reference features a 40 mm stainless steel case, characteristic of Rolex's robust sports watches. It is equipped with the automatic caliber 3085, which provides a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. The watch maintains a water resistance of 100 meters and is protected by a sapphire crystal, a key upgrade from the acrylic crystals found on earlier Explorer II models. The fixed 24-hour graduated bezel is also made of stainless steel.
For collectors, the 16550 is particularly appealing due to its transitional nature and the presence of both white and black dial variants. The white dial versions are sometimes referred to as 'cream dials' due to a tendency for the lacquer to age into a creamy patina, making these examples highly sought after. This reference offers a blend of vintage aesthetics with modern technical advancements, making it a significant piece in the Explorer II lineage.
Antiquorum (and other auction houses) is/are an avenue for unscrupulous people to sell their wares. The employees that I worked with at (unnamed auction house), were in my opinion (the following is my opinion and not to be construed as fact) were little better than thugs! When I presented said unnamed auction house with a problem with a watch they sold me that was completely misrepresented (they claimed it was made by one brand when in fact it had the movement of a different brand) that showed t
would sell their grandmother as a car if she had four rims and a steering wheel. The stories I could have told ......
But yes, that would be tempting.
These uber rare prototypes and the like that have been recently coming to market from Patek and Rolex are ridiculous to me. Just a cash grab and fed by speculators and the like 😤👎 Sorry mon ami but I cannot hold my tongue on this one 🤷♂️🤦♂️
...Nautilus if there were no record keeping at Patek. But then again you only need one believer when 1000s are ready when the COMET passes.
I know of more than a handful of fiends and collectors who have had terrible experiences with various auctions houses which deters me from ever wanting to purchase anything from them even though I have been tempted MANY times over. BIG sigh 😕 🤦♂️
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