Rolex Explorer II 1655 Orange Hand Freccione

The history of Rolex Explorer II 1655 began in 1971, when Rolex developed a tool watch for expedition researchers and scientists. Today the Explorer has become a stylish fashion icon. But back then, it was an essential tool for adventure researchers.

A trademark of this Rolex Explorer II 1655 is the orange 24-hour hand, which is why this model is also called "Orange Hand". For explorers, the prominent design of this hand served an important purpose - the fast distinction between day and night in places without the daylight. This also explains why Explorer's 24-hour bezel is not rotatable, such as the GMT Master, which allows you to know a second time zone. The Explorer's aim is to read the current time of day quickly and effortlessly. A rotating bezel could lead to confusion.

The Explorer gained a lot of popularity because of its stylish and sporty appearance. This is reflected in the rising prices for this model. This watch is also referred to as "Steve McQueen" probably because of its colorful character, which the famous actor preferred in watches. There is no evidence that the King of Cool ever wore this model. In Italy, the reference 1655 is also called "Freccione", which means "arrow" in italian.

This particular Rolex Explorer II is from 1977 and is the MK2 version of the reference 1655. The watch comes from its first owner from Greece, which is extremely rare for a 40-year-old Rolex. The watch is in a very good and honest overall condition. The Oyster case and the steel bezel have signs of use throughout, but no large dents are visible. The watch was worn very carefully and gently. The thick case profile and the honest condition of the case are an indication that the watch has been polished easily or even never. This watch has a steel bezel with thick numbers font centered on the bezel. This rare bezel variation was made only between 1974 and 1977.

The black dial with white hour indices has been beautifully preserved. The tritium lume of the hands has aged to a brownish hue. The second hand has the attractive lollipop shape. At 6 o'clock the dial is signed with "T-SWISS-T". The Rolex caliber 1570 movement has been checked and runs strong in all functions. The watch was checked by Rolex Greece in July 2018. The service invoice comes with the watch.

A beautiful Oyster stainless steel bracelet in great condition accompanies this Rolex Explorer 1655. All numbers fit perfectly with this reference and the year of manufacture of the watch: bracelet reference number 78360, end pieces 580 and clasp code VC (1978).

This Rolex Explorer II 1655 offers a unique design and an honest, original vintage condition. Its iconic status and its popularity with vintage collectors will probably last forever.

Serial number: 5.356.xxx (1977)

Int.Exe.: 77468