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.

Watch is in excellent condition. Case has some surface wear visible, with small marks and scratches near the lugs. They are very full and retain original chamfers. The bezel has minor surface wear bur retain most of the black enameling as well as a nicely defined edge. The original tritium dial in near-mint condition with nicely aged creamy luminous and matching hands. Very minor discoloration on the minute hand luminous close to the center post. Watch comes on an oyster bracelet with 13 links total, 3 of which are removable. Bracelet fits a 7 1/4" wrist and shows little stretch.

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.