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 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.

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.

it's too bad I have no records of the SN, but it was dated to 1970 if I remember well.

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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! 

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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, well, you know the story, this is a watch I love a lot for its natural beauty and its.. Provenance.

One cool, one nice. My bases are pretty well covered.

And the fact that the Explorers are less loved than the Subs reinforces my appreciation ofr them.

Best,

Nicolas

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 not a single expert comes forward having seen one. 

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. 

.....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.

Follow Nicolas advise 

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

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 1, with their distinctive thick lume covered indexes.
They got a very special charm in those old dials, and the "exact" size of their 36 mm case.
I was rather dissapointed when Rolex discarded this type of dials in their new versions. Anyway, I got an example of the 114270, which I enjoy so much on my wrist as a daily wearer.

Now, the reference 1655 Explorer 2 is another completely different bird, and I had never paid any attention to it, till I begun reading posts and comments from our friend Nicolas in this Forum.
Specially an old long and awesome review he wrote here some time ago definitively fired my interest on this reference.

It was the passion and enthusiastic writing of Nicolas, and his marvellous photographs, which opened my eyes to this so characteristic watch.
Soon I was persuaded I needed one for me so badly, that I begun with a search which led to my own one, about one month later.

I was very fortunate indeed, because they are not easy to come by down here.

The Explorer 2 is different in character, and I must add, its dial can be rather confusing sometimes when you try to read it.

 Anyway, to truly appreciate this watch, you have to put it on your wrist, and wear it for a few hours.

Then you won´t wish to take it out of your wrist!

 It´s such a cool watch to wear!

It has a very distinctive look on the wrist...  it almost shines in spite of its satin finish. It stands out of your skin and it is so pleasurable to view it there!

I´m grateful to Nicolas to help me to discover this reference!

I am showing you my three Explorers: 1016 from 1965, my 6610 from 1956, and my 1655 from 1972, which I have shown here previously, but that I enjoy so much sharing again.

(By the way, I never have seen an Explorer with a red lettering, except yours.  A marvellous timepice!)

Receive my best cordial regards,
Abel.

three superb Explorers indeed.

... to share my views and photos in your interesting post.

My best cordial regards, Abel.,

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

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... 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 comments amigo Nicolas!
Te envio un fuerte y afectuoso abrazo, desde las Pampas muy húmedas!
Abel.