1973 Rolex Explorer II Straight Hand Ref. 1655

Model:
Year of issue: 1973
Reference number: 1655
Condition: mint
Status: sold
Dealer country: Dubai
Dealer name: Tariq Malik
Price in US $ n/a

Description

The Straight Hand       -       The Explorer II is one of the coolest Rolexes ever made and we think that’s the only reason its called Steve McQueen, we actually don't know why but yeah. Anyways, on offer we have a lovely example of the Orange Hand Explorer which recently has been polished. The configuration is MK2 dial, MK2 bezel and Straight hand.  We know from our experience that Rolex is known to re-use older parts and this is how the Straight hands landed on a MK2 dial. We have seen a few examples in this configuration, also in a similar serial range so yes, its correct. The dial is beautiful and near flawless we would say with a clean black surface. The original lumes have aged to a dark corn yellow color and are matching the hands. All in all a very cool watch and in great condition, the Explorer 1655 has gotten hot over the last 2 years and we have been looking for a while until we found this one.

SKU 1.1.878
Brand Rolex
Model Explorer II Steve McQueen
Ref. No. 1655
Serial No. 3276XXX
Year 1973
Gender Gents
Case Size 40mm
Case Excellent case that has been professionally polished. The bezel is also in beautiful condition. Reference and serial numbers between the lugs are crisp and fully intact.
Bracelet / Strap Very tight 9315 Oyster bracelet with diving extension for Submariner. 12 links.
Dial Excellent MK2 dial with Frog Foot coronet. No visible flaws to the dial surface. The lumes are original and have aged to a beautiful dark yellow color and are matching with the hands. The orange hand correctly reacts to UV, lights up and falls with the same rate.
Price Sold
Crystal Acrylic
Movement Automatic
Functions Date, 24h
Condition Very good
Box No
Papers No

Dealer

Tariq Malik

THE EXPLORER II 1971

Rolex presented the Oyster Perpetual Explorer II, dedicated to polar explorers, speleologists, and all those pushing the boundaries of exploration. The watch featured a distinctive 24-hour hand, an invaluable aid around the poles and beneath ground when you can't tell night from day.