ROLEX | EXPLORER II, REF 1655STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH 24-HOUR INDICATION, DATE AND BRACELETCIRCA 1971

Dial: black Calibre: cal. 1570 automatic, 26 jewels Movement number: D'011'626 Case: stainless steel, screw-down back Case number: 2'912'723 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp Dimensions: 40mm, bracelet circumference approx. 180mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Rolex booklets and presentation case

MVT: is running at the time of cataloguing. CASE: in very good condition with beveling to the lugs and minor surface wear only. Caseback with a crisp milled edge, inside case back stamped for 1971, the numbers between the lugs are crisp. Bracelet in very good condition, reference 7836, clasp stamped 2-71 and endlinks stamped 280. DIAL: in very good condition. The lumes have turned a nice warm yellow consistently together. 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."

This particular reference 1655 was manufactured in the first year of release, 1971.  It is its age that, in part at least, has resulted in the indexes and hands taking on a beautiful and consistent patina. This example is also recognisable as a first generation 'Steve McQueen' due to the straight seconds hand.