It comes with lineage having replaced a venerable predecessor (model 1655) which often went to bad-lands and sandy-parts.

Following easy-street, the watch here was bought new in 2019. And it’s had a much more sedate life. Wear is commensurate with four years of normal use. Excellent condition. Some scratching on the s/s but a nice and mellow patina all round. Unpolished, so there’s no loss of albeit a fraction of a micron of good steel. Incredibly, the sapphire crystal is flawless.

Movement keeps accurate time; the only change/adjustment made has been on entering another time-zone – not that often since purchase.

Comes with presentation box, case, and all papers, the whole nine yards. A year remains on the guarantee which expires 16 April 2024. Also, a signed letter from Richard de Leyser, the excellent Rolex UK boss, acknowledging some ideas and comments on both watches. (One of those ideas has been incorporated in the latest Explorer II 226570 but no clue if it originated in one of the suggestions or was in line with similar feedback. Probably the latter.)

Other items of interest are Watches of Switzerland/Mappin and Webb receipt, Rolex Explorer II booklet, a history of the Rolex Explorer II, newspaper article, and the owner’s history/records and pics of both watches on a CD.

So it’s a sad parting from Explorer IIs, this one, as the other, a traveller’s talisman. But there’s no one to pass the baton to and something lighter is now required …

NOTE: Spare link for bracelet included.

POLISHING: The watch is unpolished as a preference. (Rolex was requested NOT to polish the old 1655 on its 3rd service because of wear due to polish-abrasion on previous servicing.) Pros and cons of polishing (removing all scratches and making ‘used’ look like new) is on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzgL4xeECg8 If desired, polishing is inexpensive at £85+, see Bob’s Watches or https://luxurywatchrepairs.com/pages/rolex

PRICE: £7800/$9750. Payment info on expression of interest. PM or please use [email protected] Tel: 00 44 1787 827401 (best time to call is 1400-1700 UK time)

DISPATCH: Point of dispatch Clare, Sudbury, Suffolk, UK. Within reason, personal delivery/collection/meeting half-way are options. Other than that it’s post/courier/FREE of charge. USA/international by UPS for insurance and shipping.

Attached Images