Baron - Mr Red
14613
Explorer 1 vrs Explorer 2
Both of these are Explorers, of course, but how different in style. The Explorer 1 (ref 6610) was one that was always easy to love. It has that vintage charm, the simplicity of the approach…and of course the 3-6-9 which is so appealing to me. Oh, and that red depth writing! The Explorer II has taken time for me to appreciate. To be honest, it is not what I would call a charming watch. In fact, its aesthetics are awkward to my eye. Yet, over time it has won me over and I find that I am giving it more and more wrist time.
The
beauty of the Explorer 1 is not difficult to see. The gilt against black on the
dial is special. This 6610 was born in 1955, with a serial number 113XXX. The
production run of this specific reference was almost certainly a year or less
as it was replaced with a new version of the 6610 that did not have the depth
rating printed on the dial. I have seen two other red depths with serial number
114XXX. So it appears that the serial range is very narrow. One thing I am not
sure about is the number of red depth versions. I have only ever seen three red
depths, and each of them had the word “Explorer” written as one of 4 lines at
the top of the watch. One reference book suggests that another version of the
red depth has the word "Explorer" written at the bottom of the watch, just above
the OCC. That same reference book also suggests that the other version had the pencil-shaped
hands rather than the Mercedes that appear on mine. I have only seen Mercedes
hands on a red depth. Thew red depth as shown in one reference book is one I have never seen in reality, and I would be
fascinated to hear from anyone who has ever seen such a version. Red depth…Explorer
at bottom….pencil hands. Anyone? Maybe it just never existed.
Anyway.....here is another close-up of my 6610....
The
Explorer II (ref 1655) is just such a different animal. Launched in 1971….my
version was actually born in 1974. Its serial number of 3.2m comes at the very
end of the production run for straight-hand versions. In total contrast to the
Explorer 1, the Explorer II dial is not the easiest to read. With its stand-out
orange hand too….it is like an awkward child. Similarly, the cyclops is
something that so many find unattractive. Yet, with time and love it really
grows on you. In many ways, it is hard to make a comparison between these two
watches. They are so different in styles. That orange hand just has to stand out...to me it is what this watch is about.
Happy Easter!!!
Which would Yoda choose?
Happy Easter!!!
Explorer 1 vrs Explorer 2
Both of these are Explorers, of course, but how different in style. The Explorer 1 (ref 6610) was one that was always easy to love. It has that vintage charm, the simplicity of the approachand of course the 3-6-9 which is so appealing to me. Oh, and that...
Not sure about Yoda
but I really enjoy my rail dial Freccione. My personal taste is the "albino" orange hand, definitely faded ! Here's the straight hand I had some years ago ...
Jeff....where do you think the serial numbers start from?
I have seen 2 or 3 that go up to my serial, but curious where you think they start? 1971 release.....but mine was 74. Albino is almost a different watch again.
Mine was one of the first
it's too bad I have no records of the SN, but it was dated to 1970 if I remember well. A first owner watch, he had engraved his insurance number on the back with a screwdriver, or his teeth maybe ? ...
Cool shots
Great photos and great comparison write up. I've always admired both, ESP the Explorer II. That big orange hand always makes me think it is Rolex's response to the PloProf! Haha! Great watches and thank you for posting. V/R Mike
Very nice write up and iconic watches....
My choice is the 1655 and also a faded orange hand/straight hand version. Cheers,
Two very complementary watches.
One for the elegant moments, the 6610, and the other for some cool moments, the 1655. I wear noth of them, depending on my mood. I always loved the 1655, but it took me a long time to find mine, with a nice patina and a great condition. As for the 6610, w...
Question still out there....
Has anyone ever seen a Red Depth with the word "Explorer" written at the bottom rather than the top of the dial?
the dilemma for me....
.....is that the ONLY place that I have ever seen that is Skeet & Urul..... and we know that the pictures in that book are not of actual watches. So, it is entirely plausible that such a Red Depth didn't actually exist. It is weird, in my view, that n...
We learn every day, my friend. I can't say it doesn't exist, I just can say that
I never saw one in the lfesh nor in pictures... Best, Baron. Nicolas
Me too...
.....one day someone will show a picture of one on the wrist....but until then....all we seem to have is an image in a book of a watch, but not a picture of a real watch. Would be tremendous to find someone with one
those two look awesome....any chance that...
.....you can get a better scan of theme as its a little out of focus? Would be great to see a close up of both
6610
6610 without hesitation- even though it looks are almost too perfect. But the watch is so charming you cannot helped be seduced by it. And as Amanico said, the fact that it is not as loved as other lines (submariner, daytona) makes it even more appealing....
I think I have seen one that you describe...
.....the lume is almost perfect...in fact, I am not sure it could be more perfect. I would not take it.
Dear Baron: you always make my heart pump very fast...
... everytime you share with us your gorgeous red letters Explorer. I´m happy my heart is healthy! Now you make an interesting point about the different character between the Explorer 1 and 2. I had always loved the looks of the first models of Explorers ...
Abel....
three superb Explorers indeed. I echo many of the thoughts you express. 1972 is an early straighthand..... it is indeed a watch that grows on you as you wear it. Many thanks for giving such a full response....very much appreciated.
Dear Baron: Thank you for your kind words. It was my pleasure...
... to share my views and photos in your interesting post. My best cordial regards, Abel.,
Thank you my dear friend!! You know that 6610 was not...
... an easy piece to get, and with some bad previous experience. But I´m happy now to have this one. And the 1655... I blame you!! You made me feel I Badly neded that one!! Well, I blame you, and I thank you for opening my eyes!! Thank you for your kind c...
Abel, what a perfect combo!
The three Explorers are fantastic, and as in my preview post to Baron, the Explorer I has lately became my next obsession! Felicitaciones por tan espléndida colección! Un abrazo Francisco
Baron, very interesting post!
I also had the same thougths (and doubts) about the Explorer II (ref 1655) for many years, but I have to admit that lately it has become one of next in my list. Yours looks stunning and makes my interest in getting one soon! Regarding the 6610, the new cl...
Very nice post Baron....
Lovely photos, and informative info. I think I would opt (like Yoda) for the Explorer 1, especially your one with that lovely little detail of red for the depth, very very alluring! But, I also love the explorer 2, I do love the minute track design. All t...