Rolex Explorer II 'Steve McQueen'

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REF 1655
Automatic
39 MM
– Show less
SKU AS05487
Article Number 40921103
ref 1655
case size 39 MM
movement Automatic Winding
approximate age 1970s
dial color Black
material Stainless Steel
style Sport
category Vintage
bracelet Metal
lug width 20 MM
Includes Solid link stainless steel Oyster bracelet with signed blade clasp (78360/580) stamped ‘VE’ (circa 1980).
overall condition The case is in excellent condition overall showing signs of light professional refinishing and light wear from age and use with visible factory finishing. Matte black Tritium 'MKV' dial is in superb condition with even patination to Tritium elements with matching handset. Signed crown. Fixed stainless steel Mark III bezel is in excellent condition.
REF 1655
Automatic
39 MM
– Show less
SKU AS05487
Article Number 40921103
ref 1655
case size 39 MM
movement Automatic Winding
approximate age 1970s
dial color Black
material Stainless Steel
style Sport
category Vintage
bracelet Metal
lug width 20 MM
Includes Solid link stainless steel Oyster bracelet with signed blade clasp (78360/580) stamped ‘VE’ (circa 1980).
overall condition The case is in excellent condition overall showing signs of light professional refinishing and light wear from age and use with visible factory finishing. Matte black Tritium 'MKV' dial is in superb condition with even patination to Tritium elements with matching handset. Signed crown. Fixed stainless steel Mark III bezel is in excellent condition.

Why We Love it

Let's clear one thing up right from the start: To the best of anyone's knowledge, Steve McQueen neither owned or publicly wore this model Rolex Explorer!

Due to an identification snafu in the early days of the internet, the Rolex Explorer Reference 1655 has been incorrectly associated with the actor, racer, and all-around legend for nearly two decades. We know he wore a Submariner, and we also know of his fondness for Heuer (not just the Monaco) and Hanhart. But there is no evidence to suggest the King Of Cool ever had anything to do with the 1655.

Which is a shame really, because the 1655 is one of the absolute coolest - and least understood - model in Rolex's vintage catalog.

Taking its movement architecture from a Reference 1675 GMT-Master, the 1655 features a fixed 24-hour bezel and an entirely unique dial and handset configuration with its iconic 'Orange Hand' second timezone indicator. So it wears like a Submariner, works like a GMT-Master, and has a look all its own!

This particular example dates to circa 1979 and features a 39mm stainless steel Oyster case with 'holey lugs', an excellent matte black Mark V dial devoid of the all-too-common edge wear, a matching handset, a correct Mark III stainless steel 24hr bezel assembly, and a solid link Oyster bracelet with a signed blade clasp.

As the Reference 1655 is one of the least understood vintage Rolex models, its right be wary of them - lots of examples have been 'Frankensteined', over-restored, poorly refinished, or worse... Authentic and correct examples such as this don't appear often - and this one remains in excellent condition throughout.

The King Of Cool abides!

Brand Story

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Though much younger than many of its heavy-hitting horological cousins, Rolex has been at the fore of contemporary watch design virtually since its inception in 1905 by founder Hans Wilsdorf. A veritable marketing genius, Wilsdorf understood the power of story, associating his watches with the most notable and intrepid athletes, explorers, soldiers and politicians of the 20th century. His efforts were clearly successful: Today, the word “Rolex” is nearly synonymous in the minds of millions around the word with “watch.”

From the early waterproof Oyster case of the 1920s through to the ultra-complicated Sky Dweller of today, Rolex models and innovations have captivated a global audience and permeated the zeitgeist unlike those of any other brand. Whether it’s a simple, time-only Air King, a function-first Submariner or a complicated GMT Master II for the jet set, a Rolex commands a certain respect on the wrist and says something about the discerning eye of its owner.

From the swimming of the English channel in 1927 to the scaling of Mt. Everest in 1953, Rolex watches have been associated with adventure for the better part of a century. Despite its association since the 1970s more with luxury and status than with commando operations behind enemy lines or sporting achievements, Rolex still makes one of the most robust timepieces available on the contemporary market. And the company continues to support scientific endeavors around the world.

Interestingly, for most of the firm’s history, Rolex largely did not produce its components in-house, including its movements. (Indeed, hand-wound Daytonas sold today at auction for eye-watering prices feature run-of-the-mill Valjoux movements that feature in watches from hundreds of other brands). It wasn’t until the early 21st century that Rolex became the vertically integrated manufacturing behemoth that it is today, purchasing everything from movement manufacturers to bracelet companies. (Notably, the Crown even forges its own gold.)

Whether one is attracted to the rich history of the brand or simply finds its products notable from an investment perspective, Rolex is a company whose wares are guaranteed to remain a benchmark for horological quality forever.

A:S Guarantee

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Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Shipping & Returns

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All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

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Rolex Explorer II 'Steve McQueen'

Rolex Explorer II 'Steve McQueen'

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Rolex Explorer II 'Steve McQueen'

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