Rolex Explorer II 1655 Freccione - Early ‘MK2’ Black Dial
Description
Rolex Explorer II 1655 Freccione - Early ‘MK2’ Black Dial
Rolex has maintained a close relationship with exploration since the earliest decades of the Oyster collection, developing robust and reliable watches conceived for use in demanding environments. Introduced in 1971, the Explorer II was created as a professional instrument for explorers operating in locations where the natural distinction between day and night could be difficult to determine.
Reference 1655 was the first generation of the Explorer II and remains one of the most distinctive Rolex sports watches of its era. Its fixed graduated 24-hour bezel works in combination with the prominent orange arrow-shaped hand, that gives the watch allowing the wearer to distinguish daytime from nighttime while preserving the clarity and practicality expected from a professional Rolex model.
The oversized 24-hour hand earned the watch its celebrated Italian nickname, 'Freccione'. Together with its uniquely arranged black dial, luminous indications and distinctive 1970s aesthetic, it gives the reference an unmistakable identity, standing apart from both earlier Rolex sports watches and the later generations of the Explorer II.
The present example, dating to 1974, represents an early phase of production and is fitted with an 'MK2' matte black dial alongside a corresponding 'MK2' fixed 24-hour bezel—details perfectly consistent with the period of production and marking an important stage in the evolution of the reference.
Unconventional, highly functional and instantly recognisable, the Explorer II reference 1655 occupies a unique position within Rolex’s sports watch history, both for its distinctive design and its historical relevance. Well preserved, this example embodies the spirit of the model’s early years and represents a compelling opportunity for collectors seeking an iconic and characterful vintage tool watch.
Buyer protections
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Details
| BRAND | Rolex |
|---|---|
| MODEL | Explorer II |
| REFERENCE | 1655 |
| CASE SIZE | 40mm |
| CASE MATERIAL | Stainless Steel |
| STRAP/BRACELET MATERIAL | S.Steel Oyster Folded, max lenght up to 17.5cm circa (12 Links total) |
| GLASS | Plexiglass |
| MOVEMENT | Mechanical Automatic |
| DIAL | Black Matte, MK2 |
| BEZEL | Stainless Steel with 24 Hour Indication, MK2 |
| CLASP/BUCKLE | Stainless Steel Deployment |
| SET | nd |
| YEAR | 1974 |
Chronocomparator
This watch is used and has not been serviced or cleaned by us. If you wish to request this service, please make an express request. The measurement of the functioning of the watch on the chronocomparator is provided as a courtesy and with the aim of giving users as much information as possible.