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Lot Essay
Like many vintage Rolex sports watches, the Explorer II reference 1655 is an alluring and captivating timepiece that is highly sought after by contemporary collectors, however, its popularity was not always the case. In fact, with manufacturing beginning in 1971, it was quite the opposite as most watch buyers preferred gold timepieces such as Datejusts and Day-Dates along with quartz watches. Reference 1655’s production only lasted for a meager thirteen years, and its unpopularity can even be seen in the present lot having the date of sale on May 2nd, 1987, evidence that the watch sat on the shelf of an authorized Rolex retailer for three whole years after the model’s cease in production.
The Explorer II was originally designed for cave exploration and researchers, hence why there is great emphasis in luminescence on the dial and hands, and a large orange 24-hour hand, a necessary detail for when one would not be able to see the sun to distinguish day and night. The dial is quite unusual with multilevel, luminous segments dividing the minutes and hour markers. The case is a favorable 39mm in steel and has a fixed 24-hour engraved bezel to align with the hands. The watch also features bicolored painted white and black pencil hands, something unique to this model and for all Rolex watches. Most recognizable and iconic to the 1655 is the oversized, bright orange 24-hour hand that glows under UV light. Although unloved at its time, these funky and unusual 1970s designs are what make the watch so beloved and exciting today.
Reference 1655 carries two monikers with the first being the 'Steve McQueen', although there is not any evidence showing that he ever wore the model. The second and more correct nickname is the 'Freccione' or 'Orange Hand' in Italian for clear reasons. The present lot is a 'MK 5' model, the last of the 1655s and is distinguishable by its non-serif 'T Swiss < 25 T' as well as the tall and broad coronet with a larger-than-usual opening inside of it. Although worn, the timepiece remains in honest condition and is offered with its original Rolex box and papers along with its matching accessories, making the watch a wonderful opportunity to own and cherish.
The Explorer II was originally designed for cave exploration and researchers, hence why there is great emphasis in luminescence on the dial and hands, and a large orange 24-hour hand, a necessary detail for when one would not be able to see the sun to distinguish day and night. The dial is quite unusual with multilevel, luminous segments dividing the minutes and hour markers. The case is a favorable 39mm in steel and has a fixed 24-hour engraved bezel to align with the hands. The watch also features bicolored painted white and black pencil hands, something unique to this model and for all Rolex watches. Most recognizable and iconic to the 1655 is the oversized, bright orange 24-hour hand that glows under UV light. Although unloved at its time, these funky and unusual 1970s designs are what make the watch so beloved and exciting today.
Reference 1655 carries two monikers with the first being the 'Steve McQueen', although there is not any evidence showing that he ever wore the model. The second and more correct nickname is the 'Freccione' or 'Orange Hand' in Italian for clear reasons. The present lot is a 'MK 5' model, the last of the 1655s and is distinguishable by its non-serif 'T Swiss < 25 T' as well as the tall and broad coronet with a larger-than-usual opening inside of it. Although worn, the timepiece remains in honest condition and is offered with its original Rolex box and papers along with its matching accessories, making the watch a wonderful opportunity to own and cherish.