Rolex Explorer II Reference 1655

Rolex introduced the Explorer II reference 1655 for use by spelunkers (cave diving) and speleologists (cave researchers) where the use of a 24-hour hand is important for the wearer to be able to differentiate between night and day. These watches also have the nickname ‘Freccione’ meaning ‘big arrow’ in Italian and are sometimes falsely called the “Steve McQueen” despite no evidence he ever owned or wore one. A slow seller when initially released, the reference 1655 has gained a cult following due its unusual and distinctive design. The reference 1655 is one of the references I am asked most often to find for collectors. This example has a lightly polished case. The 24-hour hand appears to have turned yellow over the years from its original orange. The hands and dial feature a nice pale yellow lume. It features a MK4 Stern dial.

It dates to circa 1979 (5.37 million serial number). It features the automatic calibre 1575 made by Rolex.

It does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history of this watch, but it is running well. It just passed a 3 bar water resistance test.

SOLD (Item SBUXYT1602 )