ROLEX

• cal. 1570 nickel lever movement, mono-metallic compensation balance, 26 jewels, adjusted to five positions and temperatures • black dial, luminescent orange dagger and baton indexes, luminescent hands, sweep center seconds, orange arrow-form hand corresponding to 24-hour indication on bezel • tonneau water-resistant-type case, bezel calibrated for 24 hours, screw-down crown with protective shoulders, downturned lugs, screw back • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Rolex Oyster flip-lock bracelet

The movement is running however it might soon need to be cleaned and serviced. It is stamped D455200. The dial is clean and nice with almost no visible signs of age. The luminescent paint to the numerals has not aged very much. The case shows general wear and scuffs to the sides and back. The inside of the back is stamped 1665 II.71 and the numbers between the lugs are 1665 and 7223148.
"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.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by a Rolex Service Warranty and Service Center Retail Summary from September 2005.

This model, Ref. 1655, was launched by Rolex in 1971. It was considered a 'tool watch', that is, a watch that would be used by people in a particular profession for an activity relating directly to their work. In this case, the watch was intended to be used by people who work significantly in darkness and therefore don't know daytime hours from nighttime hours.

As the dial and case design, not to mention the large orange hand, were great departures from the traditional conservative styles of Rolex models to this point, this model was not incredibly popular at the time of its debut. In recent years, however, it has become very popular with collectors who like the large size of the case and the non-traditional secondary hour hand.

In today's market, Ref. 1655 is known to collectors as the 'Steve McQueen'. This name probably comes from the actor's status as an icon of style and hipness, rather than the fact that he necessarily wore one; in many press photos and anecdotal information, he is known to have worn a Submariner, Ref. 5512 (see lot 145).

For a discussion of the history of the model, see Skeet, M. & Urul, N., Vintage Rolex Sports Models, p. 73 and for a similar example, see p. 85.