Thematic Auction in Geneva:The Evolut...

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Nov 16, 2002

LOT 530

Property of a Swiss CollectorRolex Oyster Perpetual Date, "Explorer II", Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified, Ref. 16550. Produced circa 1986.Extremely rare and fine, center-seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel gentleman's wristwatch. Accom-panied by a stainless steel Oyster 'Flush-Fit' bracelet. This is the watch which explorer Carlo Bondavalli wore during his expedition to find the geo-magnetic pole in 1987.

CHF 20,000 - 30,000

EUR 13,000 - 20,000

Sold: CHF 20,700

C. three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down dedicated case back and crown, steel bezel graduated in 24 hours. D. white with tritium-coated round, bâton and triangular indexes, "Cyclope" aperture for the date. "Skeleton" tritium-coated steel hands, the red hand with white arrow is to indicate the diurnal and nocturnal hours according to the 24-hour graduated bezel. M. Cal. 3085, rhodium-plated, 27 jewels, lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures and 5 positions, shockabsorber, self-compensating Breguet balance spring.Dial, case and movement signed.Diam. 39 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3 - 01

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 distin-guish the nocturnal from the diurnal hours. This model remained in the Rolex catalogues until 1982. Then, from 1983 to 1988, reference 16550 was available with white or black dial. The present watch was made in 1986.