ROLEX 1655 EXPLORER II STEVE MCQUEEN FRECCIONE STRAIGHT SECONDS

Prior to us buying this watch a few weeks ago, this was the property of its original retail owner. Unfortunately, he did not hang on to the original Rolex box and papers, but he did have the watch serviced at Rolex and the watch is accompanied by its Rolex service box and papers. These are the best kind of watches: worn and used and loved, and when it’s time, the watch moves onto its next appreciative, respectful owner. The reference 1655 is the first Explorer II and it remains the most distinctive sport Rolex watch to date. The 24 hour orange hand and minutes/seconds chapter is unique to this model. Note the seconds hand without the characteristic dot, which is how the first year’s production of 1655s should be outfitted, a so-called “straight seconds” hand. This 1972 “Steve McQueen” Explorer II is in mint condition. Stainless steel case measures 38mm diameter by 13.6mm thick. Crystal is plastic. Original brushed steel bezel has 24 hour scale, against which the orange hand is read, to orient the cave explorer to day or night. Screw down crown operates perfectly. Original black dial and original hands are in mint condition. Date window at 3 o’clock. Automatic winding Rolex Caliber 1570 with 26 jewels and adjusted to 5 positions and temperature. Movement is a C.O.S.C. Certified Chronometer. Movement is mint and running. Rolex Oyster 91350 heavy link bracelet with flip-lock clasp, which is the bracelet this watch was on when we bought it. Watch is in mint condition with Rolex service box and 2009 Rolex service papers.