Description

Rolex Explorer II 1655 MK2, Steel, 1978, Freccione & Rail Dial

Name: Rolex Explorer II 1655
Brand: Rolex
SKU: WPS-267556
Price: 21999.00 GBP
Availability: Discontinued

Partial Set- Includes Box/Manual/Tags, No Papers

ASKING PRICE: £21,999 obo (including Worldwide Free secured/ tracked DHL shipping)

NO TRADES PLEASE.

CONDITION OF WATCH: Used but in excellent condition for the age. Would benefit from a movement service

FORMS OF PAYMENT: Bank wire transfer (cleared), Paypal (plus fees) for buyers with good references.
*International buyers please be informed that you are responsible for any customs / taxes incurred.

AVAILABILITY/ LOCATION: London UK (South).

Hello everyone,

I have a 5 Million serial, 1978 MK2 Rolex Explorer II 1655 ‘Steve McQueen’ with the more sought after ‘Rail Dial’- where the letter ‘C’ in ‘Chronometer’ is perfectly aligned with the letter ‘C’ in ‘Certified’ in the ‘Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified’ text on the dial. Also dubbed the ‘Freccione dial, with its large luminous hour markers and orange 24-hour hand, it’s particularly iconic and sought after by enthusiasts.

Selling for only £21,999 or best offer. The watch is in excellent cosmetic and functional quality despite it’s age. Telling time well but would benefit from a movement service to get it up to full chronometer specification.

The watch has been enjoyed, clearly taken good care of with very little signs of case/ bracelet polishing or degradation over the years. Lugs are still sharp with polished bevelled edges intact.

Lug holes are still far from the edges, indicating minimal polishing (if any) over the years. The bezels paint infill is still nicely visible along with the brushed and ‘lapped’ finish you see on the vintage and modern Explorer II lines bezels.

The mat black Tritium dial is still clean and crisp. The date disc is a lovely brushed silver colour. Lume plots have aged a gorgeous custard yellow colour. No lume plots or lume within hands have cracked or fallen off.

The plexiglass crystal is still thick, and has nice distortion to the edges. It has the usual marks for a plexiglass crystal of it’s age and everything is still highly legible.

The bracelet still clicks firmly into place and the Rolex coronet on the clasp is highly raised in profile. Bracelet and endlinks are as originally supplied and period correct with minimal bracelet stretch.

It comes complete with its period correct Rolex leatherette (06.00.06) box, original seal and hang tag, as well as its user manual. Sadly, the original punch papers are missing, watch is in excellent condition with minimal marks, dings, dents despite it’s age.

The watch has been kept in my tough, watertight, dustproof, pressure equalised PELI 1450 watch case (not inc) in a temperature controlled room and opened once a month to give the movement a full wind.

Case:
Material: Stainless steel
Diameter: Approximately 39mm
Thickness: Approximately 13mm
Water Resistance: Approximately 100 meters (330 feet)

Bezel:
Material: Fixed stainless steel bezel with 24-hour scale

Dial:
Color: Mat black
Hour Markers: Large luminous hour markers, often referred to as "Freccione" or "Steve McQueen" dial
Hands: Large luminous hands, including the distinctive orange 24-hour hand

Crystal:
Material: Acrylic crystal (plexiglass) with some small marks consistent with its age

Movement:
Caliber: Rolex Caliber 1575
Type: Automatic movement
Precision: Chronometer certified
Frequency: 19,800 beats per hour (2.75 Hz)
Power Reserve: Approximately 42 hours

Bracelet:
Material: Stainless steel Oyster bracelet 78360 with 580 end links. Pressed clasp code ‘VC’ (1978).
Design: Flat-link Oyster bracelet with folding Oyster lock safety clasp (12 links supplied) with 7 position spring bar increments of the clasp, allowing for easy adjustment and generous extension of the bracelet length.

Features:
24-hour stationary bezel: The bezel allows cave explorers working for days in total darkness, who Rolex claimed would "soon lose all notion of time: morning, afternoon, day, or night."
Date display: Positioned at the 3 o'clock position with a magnifying Cyclops lens.
Hack feature: The movement allows for precise time-setting by stopping the seconds hand when the crown is pulled out to the time-setting position.

Selling at only £21,999 or best offer including international fully insured tracked DHL shipping.

Open to reasonable offers but kindly note NO trades please.

Face to face UK sale welcomed.

I am also long time WUS and TRF member, ebay member since 2008 and with 100% positive feedback, with references available. Additionally, I am happy to meet at a secure location (police station or bank), via Zoom or Google Meet if you would like to view the watch and/ or discuss further.

I am a watch lover and collector and occasionally sell watches and not affiliated with any brand.

The watch is from a smoke, pet free home, honest seller and will be packed well, so please buy with confidence.

Feel free to PM me with any questions or reasonable offers and I will endeavour to answer them as quickly as possible.

Kindest regards
Al
[Email address suppressed for privacy]

⌚ Watch Specifications

Reference data · AI-verified specifications

Movement

Type: Automatic

Caliber: 1575

Power Reserve: 48 hours

Case

Material: Stainless Steel

Diameter: 40mm

Thickness: 13.5mm

Water Resist.: 100m

Crystal: Acrylic

Bezel: Fixed 24-hour engraved

Dial & Strap

Dial: Black

Strap: Oyster bracelet

Production: 1971-1985

📖 About This Reference

The Rolex Explorer reference 1655 is a specific iteration within the Explorer model line. This reference is identified by its unique design elements that differentiate it from other Explorer models. Information regarding the case material, crystal type, and movement architecture is not provided. This reference appeals to collectors seeking a distinct Explorer model. Its specific characteristics position it as a notable piece for those interested in the variations within the Rolex Explorer series.