Built for exploration and born from a spirit of adventure, the Rolex Explorer II reference 1655 remains one of the most iconic and collectible tool watches ever created. Known by two legendary nicknames — the “Freccione” (Big Arrow) and the “Steve McQueen” — the 1655 holds a special place in Rolex history as the foundation of the modern Explorer II line and one of the most sought-after vintage Rolex sports references. Introduced in 1971, the Explorer II 1655 was developed as a purpose-built instrument for explorers, cave specialists, and professionals operating in challenging environments. Designed for maximum legibility and reliability, it featured a fixed 24-hour bezel, dedicated orange 24-hour hand, date function, and 100-meter water resistance. These defining characteristics established the blueprint for future Explorer II models and helped secure the 1655’s legacy as one of Rolex’s most important vintage sports watches.
This preowned example features a 6.3M serial number dating production to approximately 1980 and retains its Mk V “T SWISS < 25 T” tritium dial and handset, lollipop seconds hand, vibrant orange 24-hour hand, and Mk 4 bezel with centered numerals. The dial and handset have developed a warm, light buttery patina, offering the unmistakable character and charm that collectors value in a well-preserved vintage Rolex. The watch is fitted with its Rolex Oyster 78360 solid-link bracelet with VF date code (1981) and 580 end links. Powering the Explorer II 1655 is the legendary Rolex Caliber 1575 automatic movement, featuring 26 jewels and approximately 48 hours of power reserve. True to its origins as a professional tool watch, this example displays honest signs of wear, including superficial scratching throughout the case and bracelet, adding to its authentic vintage character. More than simply a vintage Rolex, the reference 1655 represents a piece of exploration history. A watch created for extreme environments that has since transcended its original purpose to become one of the most admired, collectible, and enduring Rolex sports watches ever produced.
Built for exploration and born from a spirit of adventure, the Rolex Explorer II reference 1655 remains one of the most iconic and collectible tool watches ever created. Known by two legendary nicknames — the “Freccione” (Big Arrow) and the “Steve McQueen” — the 1655 holds a special place in Rolex history as the foundation of the modern Explorer II line and one of the most sought-after vintage Rolex sports references. Introduced in 1971, the Explorer II 1655 was developed as a purpose-built instrument for explorers, cave specialists, and professionals operating in challenging environments. Designed for maximum legibility and reliability, it featured a fixed 24-hour bezel, dedicated orange 24-hour hand, date function, and 100-meter water resistance. These defining characteristics established the blueprint for future Explorer II models and helped secure the 1655’s legacy as one of Rolex’s most important vintage sports watches.
This preowned example features a 6.3M serial number dating production to approximately 1980 and retains its Mk V “T SWISS < 25 T” tritium dial and handset, lollipop seconds hand, vibrant orange 24-hour hand, and Mk 4 bezel with centered numerals. The dial and handset have developed a warm, light buttery patina, offering the unmistakable character and charm that collectors value in a well-preserved vintage Rolex. The watch is fitted with its Rolex Oyster 78360 solid-link bracelet with VF date code (1981) and 580 end links. Powering the Explorer II 1655 is the legendary Rolex Caliber 1575 automatic movement, featuring 26 jewels and approximately 48 hours of power reserve. True to its origins as a professional tool watch, this example displays honest signs of wear, including superficial scratching throughout the case and bracelet, adding to its authentic vintage character. More than simply a vintage Rolex, the reference 1655 represents a piece of exploration history. A watch created for extreme environments that has since transcended its original purpose to become one of the most admired, collectible, and enduring Rolex sports watches ever produced.
