{"product_id":"rolex-explorer-ii-1655-1977-as00258","title":"Rolex Explorer II 1655 - 1977","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Explorer II is definitely a timepiece for the man who craves something a little \u003cem\u003edifferent\u003c\/em\u003e from his vintage Rolex.  Released in 1971 as a follow up to the original Explorer made famous by mountaineers in the 1950s, the Explorer II utilized a larger Oyster Case-design more in line with the larger sports models already offered (the Submariner and GMT).  Featuring a four hand display with a large and distinctive 24-hour pointer hand, the Explorer II was essentially a GMT Master with one notable difference: a fixed steel bezel was installed in place of the characteristic two-tone from the aviator's model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reason for this fixed bezel was the target demographic: Speleologists - subterranean explorers.  This hearty breed of mankind spends days on end underneath the surface of the earth and without seeing the sky are prone to losing track of day and night.  The 24-hour hand would point to the appropriate place on the fixed 24-Hour bezel indicating whether it was AM or PM.  Essentially, while the original Explorer was designed to go into the clouds, the Explorer II was designed to descend into darkness.  Pretty cool, right?  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the Explorer II was produced in far fewer numbers than its Sub and GMT counterparts, it maintains a strong collector following, due partially to its assumed connection with Steve McQueen.  In the early 2000s, a rumor was started that the legendary actor\/racer\/all-around King of Cool owned a 1655.  In truth, no evidence exists that McQueen ever wore one, much less \u003cem\u003eowned\u003c\/em\u003e one, and there is no photographic proof to substantiate the rumor.  Regardless, his name is forever connected with the watch, and although prices have cooled down since the truth was revealed several years back (he actually wore a Submariner 5512), the Explorer II remains a highly collectable and \u003cem\u003etotally\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003eawesome\u003c\/em\u003e member of the vintage Rolex family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis particular late example dates from 1977 and shows just the right amount of patina for a daily-wear vintage piece.  If you aren't a fan of stashing your vintage treasures in a safe and would rather wear and use them as intended, look no further.  Whether it is spelunking or stock-brokering, this beauty is ready to go!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3261595585,"sku":null,"price":13200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Rolex_Explorer_II_1655_-_1975_culture1.jpg?v=1433253833","url":"https:\/\/www.analogshift.com\/products\/rolex-explorer-ii-1655-1977-as00258","provider":"Analog:Shift","version":"1.0","type":"link"}