Rolex
Explorer II 'Steve McQueen straight hand', Reference 1655 | A stainless steel wristwatch with date, 24-hour indication and bracelet | Circa 1971
Auction Closed
May 10, 02:36 PM GMT
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 CHF
Lot Details
Description
Dial: black, Mark I
Calibre: cal. 1570 automatic, 26 jewels
Movement number: D'921'591
Case: stainless steel, screw-down case back
Case number: 2'762'750
Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp
Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 205 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: no
Accessories: none
The Explorer 1655 is often referred to by the nickname 'Freccione' (Italian for 'arrow') thanks to its very prominent arrow-tipped orange 24-hour hand. By pointing to the fixed 24-hour marked bezel, the orange 24-hour hand serves as a prominent day or night indicator; vital for those who spend extended periods exploring in hazardous conditions and might otherwise become disorientated.
This watch is from the first series, which is also the most collectible one. Watches belonging to this original production have serial numbers between 2.5 and 3.5million. Its most important difference is the straight seconds hand that was only used during that production period.
This lot has aged beautifully with indexes gaining a warm patina, perfectly complementing the bright orange hand.