{"product_id":"rolex-explorer-ii-as00824","title":"Rolex Explorer II","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor decades, Rolex prided itself on sending their watches to the farthest reaches of the earth.  Where the iconic Submariner ruled the ocean depths and the GMT Master owned the skies, the Explorer II was designed to delve deep into the earth itself.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReleased in 1971 as a follow up to the original Explorer, the Explorer II was designed specifically for a new threshold of exploration: Speleology - the exploration of all things subterranean.  This hearty breed of adventurers spend days on end underneath the surface of the earth, and without sunlight it is easy to lose track of day and night.  To keep them on point, Rolex combined a 24-hour hand with a fixed 24-hour steel bezel which kept continuous track of whether it was AM or PM. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike it's predecessor, the Explorer I, which made famous by mountaineers in the 1950s, the Explorer II utilized a larger Oyster Case design closer in proportion to the larger sports models already offered (the Submariner and GMT).\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 example dates to 1978 and also comes complete with its full set of box (not pictured) and paperwork, including original Warranty Papers (stamped and dated 1978, original instruction manual, and factory service and warranty papers from 1998 and 2010. Fitted with a genuine service dial, handset, and a factory refreshed bezel, this pampered Explorer II is an absolute beauty, ready for daily wear and another 40+ years of ownership on the wrist of its next custodian. Truly, one of the nicest and most complete examples of this reference that we have ever come across!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo see a video of this watch, click on over to our Vimeo feed, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/130355979\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3078775809,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Rolex_Explorer_II_Full_Kit_1978_AS00824_Culture2.jpg?v=1433276598","url":"https:\/\/www.analogshift.com\/products\/rolex-explorer-ii-as00824","provider":"Analog:Shift","version":"1.0","type":"link"}