Rolex

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...  

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 ...  

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.

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 ? ...  

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

My choice is the 1655 and also a faded orange hand/straight hand version. Cheers,

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... 

Has anyone ever seen a Red Depth with the word "Explorer" written at the bottom rather than the top of the dial?

.....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... 

I never saw one in the lfesh nor in pictures... Best, Baron. Nicolas

.....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

...  

.....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 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.... 

Follow Nicolas advise

.....the lume is almost perfect...in fact, I am not sure it could be more perfect. I would not take it.

Thank you for your inputs! Much appreciated.

... 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 ...  

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.

... to share my views and photos in your interesting post. My best cordial regards, Abel.,

Would love to see some more scans of your 1016 again.

... 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... 

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

Un abrazo! Abel

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... 

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...