100 Years of Wristwatches

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Nov 19, 2000

LOT 322

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date, 'Explorer II', Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified, Ref. 1655.Production of this reference started in the 1970's.Fine center seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel gentleman's wristwatch. Accompanied bya stainless steel Oyster 'Flush-Fit' bracelet.

CHF 5,000 - 7,000

USD 3,000 - 4,200

Sold: CHF 13,800

C. three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back and crown, steel bezel graduated in 24 hours.D. black with tritium-coated indexes, 'Cyclope' aperture for the date. 'Skeleton' tritium-coated hands, theorange arrow indicates diurnal and nocturnal hours according to the 24-hour graduated bezel. M. Cal. 1570,rhodium plated, 26 jewels, lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures and 5 positions,shock-absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance spring.Dial, case, and movement signed.Diam. 39 mm.


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Grading System
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3- 01

Good

Notes

Ref. 1655The 'Explorer II' model, dates back to the 1970's and is called the 'Steve Mc Queen watch' by collectors. Created forspeleologists, the additional orange hand helps the user to distinguish nocturnal from diurnal hours. This modelremained in the Rolex catalogues until 1982. Then, from 1983 to 1988, the reference 16550 was available with whiteor black dial.Similar watches are published in 'Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches' by OSVALDO PATRIZZI, GUIDO MONDANI EditoreGenova, 1998, pp. 260, 261 and 277.