Contemporary, Limited Edition, Modern...

New York, Grand Havana Room, Apr 25, 2001

LOT 136

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date, "Explorer II", Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified, Ref. 1655. Production of this reference started in the 1970's.Fine, center-seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel gentleman's wristwatch. Accompanied by a stainless steel "Oyster" bracelet.

USD 5,500 - 6,500

C. three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back and crown, steel bezel graduated in 24 hours, "Cyclops" crystal. D. black with tritium-coated indexes, aperture for the date. "Skeleton" tritium-coated hands, the orange arrow is to indicate the diurnal and nocturnal hours according to the 24 hours graduated bezel. M. Cal. 1570, rhodium-plated, 26 jewels, lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures and 5 positions, shock-absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring.Dial, case and movement signed.Diam. 39 mm.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image
Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3

Good
Dial: 3 - 5 - 01

Notes

Ref. 1655The "Explorer II" model dates back to the 1970's and is called "The Steve Mc Queen watch" by collectors. Created for speleologists, the additional orange hand helps the user distinguish the nocturnal from the diurnal hours. This model remained in the Rolex catalogues until 1982, then, from 1983 to 1988, the reference 16550 was available with white or black dial.Similar wristwatches are published in Collecting Rolex Wristwatches, 1998 edition, by Osvaldo Patrizzi, Guido Mondani Editore, pp. 260, 261 and 277."