The Art of Horology in Geneva

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Nov 13, 1999

LOT 331

Rolex, Oyster Perpetual Date, Explorer II, Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified, Ref. 1655, 1970's.Fine, centre-seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel gentleman's wristwatch with stainless steel Oyster bracelet and certificate.

CHF 8,000 - 10,000

Sold: CHF 12,650

C. polished and brushed, screwed case back and crown, steel bezel graduated in 24 hours. D. black with tritium-coated indexes, "Cyclope" 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, 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: 3

Good
Movement: * 3
Dial: 3 - 01

Notes

Ref. 1655 Explorer IIThe Explorer II model, Ref. 1655, dates back to the 1970's and is called by collectors: The Steve McQueen watch. Created for speleologists, the additional orange hand helps the user to 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.