Vintage Rolex Explorer II 1655 MK1 Full Set sold on watchPool24

Description ▲

The first owner of this Rolex Explorer II 1655 purchased it in 1975 in Cape Town, South Africa and owned the watch for almost 45 years in his private collection. We had the chance to acquire this iconic timepiece from him and are very proud to offer it here on watchpool.

The Rolex Explorer 1655 is also called "orange hand" and was originally designed for extreme researchers such as mountain climbers. The orange 24-hours-hand and the fixed bezel allow to quickly indicate whether it is day or night. As the researchers operated often in places without daylight, that feature was very important to them. 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.

This excellently preserved example of the reference 1655 was made in 1973 and bears a 3.2 million serial number. It's a MK1 version with the straight second hand and "T SWISS T" on the dial. The MK1 is the rarest and the most sought-after Explorer execution.

This vintage Explorer is offered in the original full set as it was sold 44 years ago. The punched chronometer warranty and the guarantee translation are both signed with the seller from Cape Town, who sold the watch back in 1973 and the date of purchase - 22.2.75. The green watch box, the white outer box with reference number, the green card holder and additional booklets complete the offer and leave nothing to be desired.

The watch was recently serviced. The movement of caliber 1570 runs absolutely flawlessly and accurately.

This Rolex Explorer II 1655 was very rarely worn and is therefore in top condition. The dial is absolutely perfect and has intact and color matching tritium in all elements. The stainless steel case still has a thick profile with sharp edges. The Oyster bracelet is also original and in great condition. The bracelet reference is 7836 with 380's end pieces.

This Explorer II is a first-class collector's watch and waits for its next happy owner.

Serial number: 3.251.xxx (1973)

Int.Exe.: 1004155

Features ▲

Manufacturer: Rolex

Model: Explorer II

Reference: 1655

Functions: date - central second - screw-down crown - luminous hand - screwed-on caseback

Material: Stainless steel

Dial: black

Watch glass: acrylic crystal

Delivery Contents: Papers - chronometer certificate - Box - booklet / leaflet - accessories - warranty certificate - leather warranty holder / card holder

Bracelet: stainless steel

Type of clasp: deployant buckle

Diameter: 40mm

Caliber name: Rolex 1570

Movement type: automatic

Year of Manufacture: 1973

Overall condition: 8 - worn regularly - light signs of wear

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See the watch in person ▲

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