Lot 1 | Rolex | Explorer II

ROLEX
Explorer II. Wristwatch.

Origin: Switzerland, Geneva.
Date: 1979.
Clockwork: Automatic.
Case/Wristband: Steel, oyster bracelet with oyster clasp, dial lacquered black/blue, indices beige/apricot, hands white, one orange.
Total Weight: 114.5 g.
Measurement: Ø 39 mm, length 19.5 cm.
Case-No: 6252786.
Reference-No: 1655.
Movement-No.: OV795621.
Description: Bezel and back renewed. Leather case and revision invoice from 01/2022 and International Service Guarantee from 12/2022 enclosed.

Few, distinguished people are given the honour of having a particular Rolex model named after them. Actor and daredevil Steve McQueen was one such person. Steve McQueen's first major role was in the boxing film "Somebody Up There Likes Me", starring Paul Newmann, who is also the namesake of a well-known Rolex model. In addition to starring in countless action films, the "King of Cool" was known for his enthusiasm for motor sports and flying. He successfully participated in several car races and took the wheel himself in many of the car chases in his films.
Ironically, it is not completely clear whether Steve McQueen ever wore a reference 1655 - he himself preferred a Submariner. The connection between the Ref. 1655 and Steve McQueen came about as a result of an advertising campaign by the Rolex company, which tried to use the face of the Hollywood legend to boost sales of a watch that initially failed to gain any real traction. This probably had something to do with the chosen target group: one knows pilots, athletes are part of any circle of friends, divers are also among the acquaintances. The Rolex Explorer 2, however, was made for the small group of speleologists. And it is immediately obvious that this watch is no ordinary sports watch.
When looking at it, the rigid steel bezel with its 24-hour division immediately catches the eye. Speleologists often have to manage without daylight, so it was necessary to develop a watch with GMT function. The large, orange 24-hour hand takes on this role; this watch is also called "Freccione" (Italian for large arrow) after it. This 24-hour indication is underlined by the many fluorescent indices, which are designed to be read in conjunction with the 24-hour bezel.
The reference 1655 is the first of the Explorer 2 references and its unique design sets it apart from other Rolex watches. It represents the essence of the vision that the Rolex company had for its Explorer models. This watch also features the rare "rail dial" found on only a few Explorer 2 and Sea-Dweller models. "Rail Dial" is what dials from the supplier "Stern" are called, which were used for a short time. Here, the spaces between the lettering "Superlative Chronometer" and "Officially Certified" lie exactly under each other, like a railway track.