FS: Explorer II Ref. 1655 Mk1 Straight Hand
Rolex-certified Explorer II Ref. 1655 Mk1. This is the rare straight-hand version. Serial # is 2912xxx dating it to 1972.
Accessories:
• Original folded-link Rolex USA C&I bracelet dated 7-72, with end links
• New correct Rolex 78360 Oyster bracelet with end links and extra links (on watch). This was purchased as part of a recent service at the RSC (Dallas).
• Receipts from full service at RSC (Dallas) in Sep. 2021. Total cost $3,496 including new bracelet ($2.5k service + $1k bracelet)
• Oyster box (not sure it is correct)
• Certification card from Rolex following service. This verifies the watch is authentic.
• Original Explorer product manual
• Suede Rolex watch bag
Dial:
Very nice original MK1 as shown. Only flaw to point out can be seen in the photo with red circle. A small piece of lume is missing from the marker at 15:00 hours.
Original silver date wheel.
Hands:
Nice original hands including straight second hand. Note there is just a slight amount of lume degradation on the minute hand.
Operation/Service:
The watch runs extremely well following the full service by the RSC in Sep. 2021. Runs the instant you pick it up and has appropriate power reserve and accuracy. I have worn it little since purchasing in Feb. 2023.
Case:
Rolex polished the case during service as seen in photos. While the crown guards look soft, this is not unusual for MK1 cases.
From The Evolution of the Freccione (watchprozine.com):
From 1971 to 1974, the watch was fitted with a straight sweep second hand (without a tritium dot) and a case with almost “pointed” crown guards; the crown guards were not as small as on the first Submariner or GMT-master, but they were definitely smaller than on the other Rolex sports models of 1971 and then on the later case version of ref. 1655.
Rolex replaced the crystal and crown during service.
A new Rolex service replacement installed during Rolex service in 2021. I have a line on a nice, correct vintage MK2 bezel insert if you are interested in replacing it.
Bracelets:
Two included. The original 7836 dated 7-72 (with correct end links) plus a new Rolex 78360 Oyster (the correct replacement). The original bracelet is wearable but I chose to use the new, sturdier 78360.
Summary:
This is certified authentic, recently serviced, running great, and includes two correct bracelets.
The watch is far from perfect as noted but is priced accordingly.
More photos on request.
Price:
$19,950 shipped in Continental US overnight and insured.
I have references on Chrontrader, Watchuseek, Enicar Forums, and eBay.
If you want an authentic, solid, serviced 1655 Mk1 with original dial/hands/wheel/bracelet for under $20k, this is your chance.
Thanks for looking.
Accessories:
• Original folded-link Rolex USA C&I bracelet dated 7-72, with end links
• New correct Rolex 78360 Oyster bracelet with end links and extra links (on watch). This was purchased as part of a recent service at the RSC (Dallas).
• Receipts from full service at RSC (Dallas) in Sep. 2021. Total cost $3,496 including new bracelet ($2.5k service + $1k bracelet)
• Oyster box (not sure it is correct)
• Certification card from Rolex following service. This verifies the watch is authentic.
• Original Explorer product manual
• Suede Rolex watch bag
Dial:
Very nice original MK1 as shown. Only flaw to point out can be seen in the photo with red circle. A small piece of lume is missing from the marker at 15:00 hours.
Original silver date wheel.
Hands:
Nice original hands including straight second hand. Note there is just a slight amount of lume degradation on the minute hand.
Operation/Service:
The watch runs extremely well following the full service by the RSC in Sep. 2021. Runs the instant you pick it up and has appropriate power reserve and accuracy. I have worn it little since purchasing in Feb. 2023.
Case:
Rolex polished the case during service as seen in photos. While the crown guards look soft, this is not unusual for MK1 cases.
From The Evolution of the Freccione (watchprozine.com):
From 1971 to 1974, the watch was fitted with a straight sweep second hand (without a tritium dot) and a case with almost “pointed” crown guards; the crown guards were not as small as on the first Submariner or GMT-master, but they were definitely smaller than on the other Rolex sports models of 1971 and then on the later case version of ref. 1655.
Rolex replaced the crystal and crown during service.
A new Rolex service replacement installed during Rolex service in 2021. I have a line on a nice, correct vintage MK2 bezel insert if you are interested in replacing it.
Bracelets:
Two included. The original 7836 dated 7-72 (with correct end links) plus a new Rolex 78360 Oyster (the correct replacement). The original bracelet is wearable but I chose to use the new, sturdier 78360.
Summary:
This is certified authentic, recently serviced, running great, and includes two correct bracelets.
The watch is far from perfect as noted but is priced accordingly.
More photos on request.
Price:
$19,950 shipped in Continental US overnight and insured.
I have references on Chrontrader, Watchuseek, Enicar Forums, and eBay.
If you want an authentic, solid, serviced 1655 Mk1 with original dial/hands/wheel/bracelet for under $20k, this is your chance.
Thanks for looking.
Estimated Private Party Value $20,750 — $26,100
Affiliate links: WatchPatrol may receive a commission if you purchase a product from eBay.
1978 Rolex Explorer II Steve McQueen 1655 Black Dial Generic Strap No Paper 40mm bigben_timezone (928) eBay (US) • Buy It Now |
$15,500.00 | |
Rolex Explorer II "Steve McQueen" MK4 40mm Steel Automatic Watch 1655 Circa 1972 interwatches (10097) eBay (US) • Buy It Now |
$22,990.00 | |
Rolex 1655 Explorer Steve McQueen Rare STRAIGHT HAND Vintage Mark 1 nextwatchofficial (372) eBay (US) • Buy It Now |
$21,900.00 | |
1 of 43! Blaken Vintage Rolex Explorer II "Steve McQueen" Edition #216570 ba-timepieces (55) eBay (US) • Buy It Now |
$23,800.00 | |
MINT 1974 Rolex Explorer II Steve McQueen JUBILEE 40mm Stainless Watch 1655 collectorswatches (8182) eBay (US) • Buy It Now |
$26,993.62 |
Right Now on eBay
Shop luxury timepieces with eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee
Affiliate links: WatchPatrol may receive a commission if you purchase a product from eBay.
$15,500.00
Fixed Price
$22,990.00
Fixed Price
$23,800.00
Fixed Price
$26,993.62
Fixed Price