Rolex Explorer 2 ref 16550 versus 16570 Explorer 2

The Rolex Explorer 2 Ref 16570 has a similar look with the 16550. The are some differences. Firstly, the Rolex 16550 was equipped with the 3085 caliber, while the 16570 uses a newer Rolex 3185 caliber.

Both cases are identical in size and use the same crown, case back, bezel and crystal size. The dials are also interchangeable on both Explorer models as well.

Explorer II 16550 was originally produced in both a black and white sliver marker dial format with silver hands. A rail font configuration can be found on both black and white dials with white markers . A cream color anomaly has been found regarding the white dials. This was due to a paint and lacquer defect in the 1980's. Over time these white dials happen to turn a darker shade of white, light yellow or lemon colour. However, be careful when te colour is light brown as the dial may have been artificially baked in oven. Another differences is that the bezel from the 16550 has fatter and shorter fonts .

The 16570 has black markers and black outlined hands to offer better contrast on the white dial version.

The bezel fonts are thinner and longer on the 16570.

Rolex ref 1601 (from 1966) 14k Gold Wide Boy

This specific Datejust Ref. 1601 is a unique variant. Most of the Rolex 1601 are in half gold & steel. This example from the year 1966  is a rare 14k Gold watch plus it has what commonly referred to as the "Wide Boy" dial and hands as the marker and hand configuration are much wider in look and design than the typical stick markers and baton hands more commonly found on Datejust references of the same era. Some collector has said that the 14 gold series were made for the US market. 

Owing to the escalating prices of the gold & steel Bi colour Datejust, these gold Datejust has become relatively cheap to collect. Moreover, basing on my watch collecting experience, these gold watches are often in better conditions as these were being taken care of by the collector than the steel & gold ones.

See those abnormally fat hour indices and hands, commonly known as  “Wide Boy,”

This looks like a Wide Boy. But on closer look, one can see that the markers and hands are not wide enough (photo courtesy from the internet). Perhaps, these can be called Baby Wide Boy?

Please see discussion at the forum below:

https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.php?373299-Rolex-Wide-Boy

Two special IWC from the recent Philips Geneva Auction XIII 8-9 May 2021.

I have found an IWC with a special dial last Feb 2020. At that time, I have never seen a black dial with blue markings spread across the dial. Some thought that the dial has gone tropical with it but others said that it is original as it is. As there is no evidence from any old IWC advertisements or any information when one goggle the internet, the question remains if this is a reconditioned, repainted dial or an original dial?

IWC REF.R815A BLUE MARBLE DIAL

Finally, the mystery was resolved with the Philips Geneva auction XIII 8-9 May where there were two IWC watches sold with similar special marble dials. These are two special IWC with unusual dials from the recent Philips Auction May 2021.

Extract from the text:

The present timepiece is a unique specimen of this landmark watch: in depth research discloses that it was sold in Hong Kong in July 1971. Unfortunately, IWC archives do not provide detail on watch dials, but accurate examination of both sides of the dial and the fact that even the date ring has been realized in the same particular tonality prompted us to believe in the absolute originality of the timepieces. In order to dispel any possible doubt, the watch - together with its green sibling (successive lot) - was physically sent to IWC. After in depth examination, they concluded that the dial is a 100% original IWC product, and was most probably originally fitted on this timepiece. While the absence of a dial record prevented IWC from mentioning the dial on the Extract, David Seyffer - Heritage director of IWC - was kind enough to provide this comment:

"The two dials are highly rare; They are a design experiment from IWCs dial supplier. Only a few dials of the two variants exist. They were available in green and blue. Additionally, there was the corresponding date disc in the same colour. Officially, Yacht Club watches with these dials were never advertised. This makes the two pieces really very special.”

We deeply thank the IWC Heritage Department for their support in researching these pieces.

https://www.phillips.com/detail/iwc/CH080121/45

https://www.phillips.com/detail/iwc/CH080121/44

There is always something new with vintage watch collecting. One never know what will turn up during our treasure hunt...

https://firekids.jp/watch/item/item1006.html

https://www.ebay.com/itm/274532444899?_ul=HN&nma=true&si=FAs%252Bcp%252FQO13mkoxkBoiwN2vuiCs%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

My IWC has just been serviced and I am actively looking for a nice metal bracelet for it. As far as I know, these dials were fitted in both the Yacht club and in Ref 815a Oval shaped automatic using the famous caliber 8541B .

IWC REF.R815A BLUE MARBLE DIAL

https://www.iwatchome.net/article/theme/210012438

Latest Philips Auction result May 2021

Latest Philips Auction result Rolex LV16610LV Green Submariner Kermit at CHF 44,100, Flat 4 has surprised many as its a modern Rolex. However, when one look at the 65 lots of Rolex watches for sale, nearly all have exceeded their estimated Except for Lot 118 1803, Lot 155, Day Date, Lot180, white gold fat Day Date and Lot181, an ugly Day Date

Even a Rolex 6024 has managed to achieve a good result with the Explorer style 3,6,9.

A Breguet Type XX 

Rolex ref 1601 Datejust rose gold and steel

This is a Rolex 1601 in Rose gold and steel in near perfect condition. I have always love the rose gold material and I have found three previously (one in black dial, one white dial and another Berkeley dial). Subsequent, I have sold one pink gold bezel white dial to Wendy I believe. For those who want to start collecting vintage watches, you can start with the Datejust series as it has wonderful variations in dials, materials etc plus its less expensive comparing with the Sports series.

The condition of the bracelet is very good.

Comparison between the yellow and pink gold

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