• cal. 3085 automatic nickel lever movement, 27 jewels, mono-metallic compensation balance, adjusted to five positions and temperature • cream dial, luminescent triangular, dot and baton indexes, magnified date aperture, red secondary hour hand • tonneau water-resistant type case, bezel calibrated for 24 hours, screw back and screw-down crown • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and flip-lock clasp

The movement is running, however we recommend service soon. It is numbered 1069700. There appears to be some light discoloration to the outer edge of the movement. The dial is nice and without visible marks or wear. The case shows almost no surface scuffs or abbrasions and is overall in very nice condition. The numbers between the lugs are 16550 and 8452966 and the number inside the back is 16550. The bracelet is in nice condition with ligth scuffs and it is somewhat stretched. It is numbered 501 to the ends and 78360 to the links. It has an overall length of roughly 180mm.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

This model, Ref. 16550, was first launched by Rolex in 1985. Originally🌳 Rolex offered this new reference with standard black as well as cream dials. Ultimately, they would eliminate this option and sell only the black♑ dial, thus making examples with cream dials, such as the present lot, more collectible.

The present watch features the so-called 'Railway' dial. This designation refers to a dial on which the spaces between the words 'Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified' line up from one line to 𒐪the next, creating a visual break in the printing. As Rolex re-formatted the printing on the dials, this aspect was lost. Collectors today see such examples as more desirable.

For a similar example of this model with this dial variation, see Skeet, M. & Urul, N., Vintage Rolex Sports Models, p. 86.