Introduction
Launched in 1971 as the Explorer II, the ref. 1655 gave rise to the second model within Rolex’s Explorer family. While the Explorer was founded with mountaineering in mind, the Explorer II was launched for a different kind of explorer; spelunkers, or cave explorers. A sports watch inside and out, the ref. 1655 was a large watch for its time with a 39mm stainless steel case, a steel bezel, and a large black dial. Combined with this large black dial is plenty of tritium luminescent, a large orange arrow-shaped second hour hand, and Rolex’s signature date display and cyclops lens. Designed for spelunkers that would spend large amounts of time in low-light conditions in caves, Rolex designed the ref. 1655 so that its second hour hand would act as an AM/PM indicator. By locking it to the local hour hand, the orange hour hand would tell the wearer if it was day or night outside of the cave when used in conjunction with its fixed steel bezel. While in later models the second hour hand turned into a true GMT hand, its fixed steel 24-hour graduation bezel and emblematic arrow-shaped hour hand have formed the basis of its iconic design, which is retained in the modern Explorer II collection to this day.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch only
Est. value range
$15,000 – $20,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
38.5mm
Model
Explorer II
Movement
Automatic cal. 1570
Reference
1655
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1979
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black
THE DISPLAY
Fitted with one of watchmaking's most iconic handsets, the ref. 1655 gave us the Explorer II's signature orange arrow-shaped GMT-hand which the collection still champions today.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Designed to be used in low-light conditions, the ref. 1655's heavy lume, large dial and bright hands combine to ensure the Explorer II was legible at all times.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
The watch is in overall excellent condition. The stainless steel case has thick lugs, but show signs of wear with scratches and marks visible along the edges and surfaces. The case back has light scratches. The fixed bezel retains its brushed finish with some light marks and scratches, and most of the black enamel in the numerals remains intact. The matte black dial is excellent, with clean luminous plots. The hands are excellent, with the 24-hour hand showing signs of reluming. The solid link Oyster bracelet has light surface scratches and light play between the links. The bracelet has 13 links, 3 of which are removable, and fits an approximately 7 1/2” wrist.
Our Perspective
Once going relatively undetected in the world of vintage Rolex as fan-favorites like the Submariner, GMT-Master, and Daytona dominated the headlines, the Explorer II ref. 1655 has experienced an incredible and much-deserved spike in demand as collectors clamor to get their hands on this stunning watch.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
