Lot #4646
Rolex Explorer II 1655 Orange Hand with Original Guarantee Certificate
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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.
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Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Punched Original Guarantee Certificate
Est. value range
$20,000 – $30,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
39mm
Model
Explorer II "Steve McQueen"
Movement
Automatic cal. 1570
Reference
1655
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1979
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch and papers
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. In addition, this example's lume has aged to include a deep creamy yellow color, which plays against its orange hand very nicely.
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
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case shows surface scratches and evidence of a previous polish, while the case back displays scratches and small nicks. The bezel retains all enamel intact and the radial finish remains well defined. The dial remains near mint, while the hands show some spotting. It is fitted with a solid-link Oyster bracelet showing surface scratches and light play between the links. The bracelet is fitted with 14 links, 4 of which are removable, and fits approximately a 7¾” wrist. Comes with original punched papers.
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
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