Revolution: The Evolution of the Role...

New York, Apr 17, 2008

LOT 104

Ref. 1655, ?Steve McQueen? Rolex, "Oyster Perpetual Date, Explorer II, Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified", Ref. 1655. Made in 1979. Fine, center seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel wristwatch with date, special 24-hour bezel, large orange 24-hour hand and a stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet. Accompanied by a Guarantee Certificate (now void).

USD 15,000 - 20,000

EUR 10,000 - 13,000

Sold: USD 26,400

C. Three-body, polished and brushed, graduated 24-hour bezel, screwed-down case back and protected crown, crystal with cyclops lens. D. Black with luminous baton indexes, aperture for the date. Luminous white baton hands, large luminous orange arrow to indicate the diurnal and nocturnal hours on the 24-hour graduated bezel. M. Cal. 1570, rhodium-plated, 26 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to 5 positions and temperature, shock absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, Microstella regulating screws, hack mechanism. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 39 mm. Thickness 14 mm.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image

Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good

Case: 3

Good

Movement: 2

Very good

Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

On the third version a luminous circle was added to the seconds hand and the shape of the Rolex crown on the dial was changed. The 1655's design was strongly influenced by early 1970s style and it did not enjoy strong sales during its main production years.