Rolex Explorer II Steve McQueen ref.1655 MK1 from 1971

The Explorer II is no longer the little brother of the Submariner, GMT, and Vintage Daytona models, and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after vintage watch models in Rolex's repertoire. It all began with the execution of model ref. 1655, nicknamed from the beginning as the "Steve McQueen."

Rolex launched the Explorer II ref. 1655 in 1971, and it was designed with polar topographers, cavers, and adventurers in mind. One of the defining features of this reference is the 24-hour orange hand. This hand was specifically created to help the user distinguish between night and day when in an environment where they could not immediately notice the difference, for example, underground or in a cave. The Explorer II ref. 1655 went through multiple design iterations throughout its lifespan until Rolex ceased production of this reference in 1984.

This particular example features the Mark 1 dial, the first variant of the ref. 1655. This dial is distinguished by the frog foot coronet and straight seconds hand.

As a result of its initial narrow marketing focus, the Explorer II immediately became a sales success. However, as Rolex sports models became more collectible and with their undeniable appeal of the 1970s, the Explorer II has gradually become more desirable. The watch we have here has excellent vintage appeal that would be perfect for the collector who likes Rolex sports watches but wants something a little more unique without losing that vintage Rolex DNA. The ref. 1655 Explorer II is truly different from anything else in the Rolex catalog.

MK5
Brand: Rolex
Model: Explorer ll
Reference: 1655
Year of manufacture: 1971
Material: Steel
Dimensions: 39mm
Crystal Material: Plexiglass crystal
Luminous Material: Tritium
Caliber: Cal.1570
Box/Papers: No

Comments: Gmt hand has a lume crack, movement serviced.