OVERVIEW

Whereas the original Rolex Explorer was meant to reach the highest altitudes in mountain climbing it seems fitting that Rolex would want to produce the Explorer II for those navigating the other direction: underground. With its big bright orange hand and 24hr bezel, this watch was designed for cave explorers to tell the time between AM & PM, in case they spent days without seeing daylight. Despite Rolex’s well-intentioned design, consumers at the time found the dial to be a bit too funky and the marker layout too confusing to read. Initial sales of the 1655 didn’t do very well, very quickly spurning subtle design changes to the dial and bezel. The example I have listed here is part of the very first batch ever made with both dial and bezel considered “MK1” aka Full Spec.

Fast forward to today and we find that examples from this first batch in 1971 are pretty hard to come by. Despite all the subtle differences between the 5 different dial and bezel variations, the first batch is arguably the best aesthetically with the thick font bezel and frog foot Rolex coronet. Add that this particular example has the perfect color patina and still bright orange hand and you have one of the most attractive Rolex Explorer IIs you can get.

CONDITION NOTES

CASE: Expertly detailed in the past, with sharp thick and even lugs, correct satin top brushing and correctly sized chamfers. No corrosion between the lugs or under the caseback so the watch passes water pressure tests. Original and perfect MK1 bezel.

DIAL & HANDS: Stunning and vibrant MK1 dial with perfect original lume. Excellent handset in perfect condition and matching and even original lume matching the dial.

MOVEMENT: Smooth, keeping time accurately with high amplitude and no corrosion.