ROLEX | A STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC CENTRE SECONDS WRISTWATCH WITH 24-HOUR INDICATION, DATE AND BRACELET REF 1655 CASE 7429176 EXPLORER II CIRCA 1983

Movement: cal. 1570 automatic lever, 26 jewels Case: stainless steel Oyster, bezel calibrated for 24 units, screw-down crown and backDial: black, luminous triangular, baton and square indexesBracelet/Clasp/Buckle: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding claspDiameter: 40mm, bracelet circumference approx. 180mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: card holder, booklets, and presentation case

DIAL: both dial and hands in good condition. Indexes and hands have lost their luminescence and have an even and uniform colour. CASE: in good condition overall. With some light scuffs and scratches throughout consistent with age and wear. Scratching to the underside of the lugs where the bracelet has been removed. MOVEMENT: running at the time of cataloguing. Date advancing. Bracelet/clasp: 78360; endlinks: 580 Booklets and calendar dated between 1984 and 1989 as the watch was sold at that time. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

The reference 1655 was launched by Rolex in 1971 until 1984, and is known to collectors as the 'Steve McQueen'. This name derives from the actor's status as an icon of style at the time of the watch's production. It is also called 'Freccione' as a short form for 'Orange hand'.  The layout of the dial of the Reference 1655 went through several evolutions. 
The present one, in excellent condition and with an extremely pleasant cream patina, is characteristic of the ultimate version, known as 'Mark V' by collectors. It has a narrow coronet with a rounder 'O' at its base at 12 o'clock and the 'T Swiss < 25t' at 6 o'clock. As opposed to the service dials, the foot of the 'R' of Rolex is slightly curved.  

It is further presented at auction on behalf of its original and only owner. It may be suggested, given the fact the watch remained with the retailer for 6 years prior to its sale, that the reference 1655 was not particularly popular at the time.

This piece is an ideal combination of a collectible watch that can also be worn and enjoyed.