Collector’s Pocket Watches, Wristwatc...

Grand Havana Room, New York, Mar 13, 2002

LOT 157

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date, ?Explorer II?, Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified, Ref. 1655, retailed by Tiffany & Co, New York. Production of this reference started in the 1970?s. Fine, center-seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel gentleman?s wristwatch with a stainless steel Oyster bracelet. Accompanied by a fitted box.

USD 8,000 - 10,000

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 gradu-ated bezel. M. Cal. 1570, rhodium-plated, 26 jewels, lever escape-ment, monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures and 5 posi-tions, shock-absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 39 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 2

Very good
Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

Called ?The Steve McQueen watch? by collectors, the ?Explorer II? dates back to the 1970?s. Created for speleologists, the additional orange hand helps the user distinguish the nocturnal from the diur-nal hours. This model remained in the Rolex catalogues until 1982. From 1983 to 1988, the reference 16550 was available with a white or black dial.