Rolex Explorer II 1655

Rolex Explorer II 1655 Orange Hand

Launched in 1971 as the Explorer II, the ref. 1655 gave rise to the second model within Rolex’s Explorer family. While the Explorer was founded with mountaineering in mind, the Explorer II was launched for a different kind of explorer; spelunkers, or cave explorers. A sports watch inside and out, the ref. 1655 was a large watch for its time with a 39mm stainless steel case, a steel bezel, and a large black dial. Combined with this large black dial is plenty of tritium luminescent, a large orange arrow-shaped second hour hand, and Rolex’s signature date display and cyclops lens. Designed for spelunkers that would spend large amounts of time in low-light conditions in caves, Rolex designed the ref. 1655 so that its second hour hand would act as an AM/PM indicator. By locking it to the local hour hand, the orange hour hand would tell the wearer if it was day or night outside of the cave when used in conjunction with its fixed steel bezel. While in later models the second hour hand turned into a true GMT hand, its fixed steel 24-hour graduation bezel and emblematic arrow-shaped hour hand have formed the basis of its iconic design, which is retained in the modern Explorer II collection to this day. Brand : Rolex Dimensions : 38.5mm Model : Explorer II Movement : Automatic cal. 1570 Reference : 1655 Bracelet : Stainless steel Oyster bracelet Year : 1979 Condition : Excellent Material : Stainless steel Included : Watch only Dial Color : Black THE DISPLAY Fitted with one of watchmaking's most iconic handsets, the ref. 1655 gave us the Explorer II's signature orange arrow-shaped GMT-hand which the collection still champions today. THE CONSTRUCTION Designed to be used in low-light conditions, the ref. 1655's heavy lume, large dial and bright hands combine to ensure the Explorer II was legible at all times. TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.