Rolex
Ref. 1655, repeated inside caseback
A rare and well-preserved stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, date, 24-hour indication, MK III rail dial and bracelet, guarantee and presentation box
Manufacturer : Rolex
Year : Circa 1978
Reference No : 1655, repeated inside caseback
Movement No : D782’580
Case No : 5’399’066
Model Name : Explorer II "Freccione
Material : Stainless steel
Calibre : Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
Bracelet/Strap : Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “78360”, endlinks stamped “580”, max length 200mm
Clasp/Buckle : Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “VC
Dimensions : 39mm diameter
Signed : Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
Accessories : Accompanied with Rolex Japanese guarantee stamped L.L. Credit Mitaka dated 4th February 1979, hang tags, Rolex Service guarantee, 1978-1979 calendar card, green leather folder, instruction manual, product literature, fitted presentation box and outer packaging Released in 1971, the Rolex Explorer II introduced a refreshed appeal to the iconic Explorer line with the reference 1655. Designed for expeditioners and professionals, the ref. 1655 features a large triangular-tipped luminous orange 24-hour hand, allowing the wearer to tell the time under any conditions—earning it the nickname “Freccione”, meaning “Big Arrow” in Italian. The watch also includes a 24-hour calibrated bezel, specifically designed to help speleologists differentiate between night and day during extensive caving expeditions.
In production until the mid-1980s, this reference was released with a total of five different marks, along with two service dials (one with tritium and one with luminova). The present example, from circa 1978 with a 5.3 million serial number, features a correct Mark III dial and is offered in attractive overall condition with all its original accessories.
What makes this piece even more special is the beautifully aged luminous material, which has developed an appealing pumpkin color over the years.
