Rolex
Reference 1655 Explorer II | A stainless steel automatic wristwatch with date, 24-hour indication and bracelet, Circa 1984
Lot Closed
June 17, 03:31 PM GMT
Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 USD
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Read more.Lot Details
Description
Dial: black, Mark IV
Caliber: cal. 1570 automatic, 26 jewels
Movement number: D'913'047
Case: stainless steel, screw down case back
Case number: 8'270'525
Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with folding clasp
Size: 40 m diameter, bracelet circumference is approximately 180 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: no
The name ‘Freccione’ is a derivation of the Italian world for arrow, a reference to the bold orange 24-hour hand. The watch, which was part of Rolex’s production line from 1971 until 1984 was created for spelunkers who needed tool watches that clearly indicated whether it was day or night. While the model probably doesn’t see the depths of caves much anymore – it remains a testament to Rolex’s ability to marry form and function.
The current example, from the last year of production is as distinctive now as it was then. When in 2011, Rolex updated the Explorer II model, they harkened back to the distinctive orange hand – reinvigorating the now iconic aesthetic.