Rolex Explorer II Ref. 1655 'Straight Hand'
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1972
Maker / issuer
RolexThis Rolex Explorer II reference 1655, identified as a 'MK1' variant, dates from approximately 1972. The timepiece features a matte black dial and a signature orange 24-hour hand, which indicates time in a second time zone.
A notable design element of this specific variant is the 'straight' seconds hand, which differs from other 1655 production versions. The watch is presented on an Oyster bracelet with a blade clasp. The stainless steel case has undergone past light polishing, while the MK2-style bezel remains unpolished. The watch features Tritium luminous elements that exhibit a light, even patina.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- GMT wristwatch
- Dating
- circa 1972
- Variant
- MK1
- Reference
- 1655
- Bezel variant
- MK2
- Date on papers
- 10/12/1972
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Seconds hand type
- Straight
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex
Design
- Visible features
- • Matte black dial with Tritium luminous hour markers. • Fixed stainless steel bezel with 24-hour markings. • Bright orange arrow-tipped 24-hour hand. • Cyclops lens over the date aperture at the 3 o'clock position.
- Case and Bracelet
- The stainless steel case design includes protective guards around the winding crown. The vendor notes that the case has been lightly polished during previous ownership but maintains its original aesthetic proportions. The fixed bezel is of the MK2 style, featuring 24-hour engraved markers. The vendor reports that the bezel shows normal wear and has not been polished. The watch is attached to a standard Oyster-style bracelet. The bracelet is secured by a blade clasp.
- Dial and Hands Configuration
- The watch displays a matte black dial consistent with the Explorer II reference 1655 series. The luminous markers contain Tritium, which the vendor reports as having a light and even patina. The handset is configured with a prominent, vibrant orange 24-hour hand, which serves as a GMT-style indicator. The date aperture at 3 o'clock is covered by a magnifying cyclops lens on the crystal, allowing for easier reading of the numerical date. The hour indices are rectangular or triangular in shape, providing high visibility against the dark dial backdrop.
- Documentation and Provenance
- This watch is sold as a complete set including the original inner box and associated paper goods. This includes a COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) hangtag, which signifies that the movement met specific chronometric standards, and a serialized hangtag specific to this individual unit. These papers accompany the watch and serve as primary evidence of its initial purchase history and authenticity. While the watch is often colloquially linked to the actor Steve McQueen, the vendor clarifies that there is no factual evidence to support a historical connection between the actor and the reference 1655. The nickname remains a commonly used descriptor within the vintage watch market rather than a historical fact.
Identification
- Reference
- 1655
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The nickname 'Steve McQueen' is associated with this model despite a lack of evidence regarding his ownership or endorsement.
- Research required: The source notes the case has been lightly polished in the past.