Rolex Explorer ll 1655 Steve McQueen de 1983

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 V dial, the last variant of the ref. 1655. This dial is distinguished by the higher crown and features the correct range of serial numbers from 6.5 million to 8.4 million for this variant. Beyond the crown, the "T SWISS <25 T" below six o'clock is exclusive to Mark IV and V dials in the 1655 and is Rolex's signifier that the tritium used for the hour markers emits less than 25 mCi (millicuries), which was a new standard in the industry at this time. Collectors have nicknamed the ref. 1655 "the Freccione," which means "the Arrow" in Italian due to its bright orange hand. The bezel is a matching Mark V variant, which is correct for the year and type of dial.

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: 1983
Serial number: 720xxxx
Material: Steel
Dimensions: 39mm
Crystal Material: Plexiglass crystal
Luminous Material: Tritium
Caliber: Cal.1570
Type of machinery: Automatic
Bracelet width: 20mm
Bracelet: Rolex Joske's Jubilee Mexicano
Box/Papers: No

Comments: Small scratches on the crystal.

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