Revolution: The Evolution of the Role...

New York, Apr 17, 2008

LOT 105

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 fitted box, Warranty Certificate (now void), hang tag, red seal, 2 instruction booklets and recent service invoices.

USD 18,000 - 24,000

EUR 12,000 - 16,000

Sold: USD 31,200

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.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3-10

Good

Patinated
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

On the final version the extra hour hand was changed to red (instead of orange). In the mid 1985, Ref. 1655 was removed from the Rolex catalog and was replaced in late 1985 by Ref. 16550. Today, the Ref. 1655 is called "Steve McQueen" by English-speaking collectors and "Freccione" by Italian collectors.