Rolex “MK1 1655” Explorer II

Description

The Rolex Explorer II debuted in 1971, given the Reference 1655, and was an extension of Rolex’s Explorer line, creating a rugged sports watch, also featuring a GMT function. This GMT function is delineated by the addition of the “Freccione” or orange hand. This watch was popularized for its use by the famous actor, Steve McQueen. The present example is an MK1 (first execution) Explorer II, produced circa 1972 (3.2m serial), nicknamed also the “straight hand”, as it used a straight/stick seconds hand for the first iteration of this model, later changed to a lumed seconds hand.

This Rolex Explorer II is in great condition. The case has been lightly polished in the past, with thick and even lugs, showing some of the original bevel definition still; the bezel does show one minor scuff at 6 o’clock. The dial is beautiful, with no visible flaws.  The original lume is present in both the hands and dial markers, having aged to a nice pumpkin/yellow color.  The watch comes equipped on a Rolex Oyster flip-lock 93150 bracelet with 580 endlinks, and has 10 full links and no stretch.