ROLEX EXPLORER II REF 1655 MK1 STRAIGHT END from 1972
Brand : ROLEX
Model: EXPLORER II
Reference : 1655
Year: 1972
Serial : 328XXXX
Diameter : 39 MM
Movement : Automatic cal 1570
Case: Very nice slighlty polished and very thick case with perfect angles, no shocks or major scratches. The proportions are well preserved. Excellent condition of the case, still very thick. First series thin case with its special winding cover and in perfect condition.
Dial: Beautiful perfect original black dial with beautiful well-patinated tritium indexes and its orange "freccione" hand matching the first series of watches produced which took on this very particular patina. Ultra rare right hand and mk1 frog foot coronet dial. Perfect match of the patina of the hands and indexes.
Bezel: Beautiful MK2 bezel in perfect condition and unpolished with the numerals still well printed.
Bracelet: : Folded steel 7936 a little relaxed endlink 380 and clasp code 72
Accessories: Original box and papers
Guarantee : All watches are guaranteed for 6 months for normal use. For vintage watches that are not waterproof, there is no guarantee of water resistance. In the caseof a water resistance problem linked to the non-screwing of the crown, the warranty is also void. In the case of shocks to the watch, the warranty is void. Normal use only qualifies for the 6-month warranty.
Description
Our opinion: A model apart from the Rolex collection with this watch designed for speleologists. Hence its 24-hour bezel, which is not directional in order to indicate to speologists whether it was 8 a.m. or 8 p.m. in an ultra-dark cave, for example. Same movement base as the gmt master I with the particularity of this large orange luminescent tritium hand indicating the time in 24 hours. A mythical little-produced watch and here in its very first version with mk1 dial, orange freccione hand and ultra rare straight hand. THE very first 1655 ever produced which makes it a historic model in the professional vintage Rolex collection of large collections that will find its place in any serious collection. Watch also delivered with its box and papers.
Brand
Rolex
Rolex is one of the world's most renowned watch brands, famous for its prestige, quality and innovation.
The beginnings (1905-1920)
Rolex was founded in 1905 in London by Hans Wilsdorf and his brother-in-law Alfred Davis. The company was initially called Wilsdorf & Davis, and it imported Swiss watch movements which it then had assembled and sold in London. In 1908, Hans Wilsdorf registered the trademark "Rolex", a name he found easy to pronounce and remember in different languages.
Innovation and success (1920-1940)
Rolex quickly established its reputation through its innovations, including the development of the first waterproof wristwatch, the "Oyster", in 1926. This watch was touted as a revolutionary product and received significant media attention, notably when the Swimmer Mercedes Gleitze wore an Oyster during her English Channel crossing.
In the 1930s, Rolex continued to innovate with iconic models, such as the Rolex Prince, which introduced rectangular dials, and the Datejust in 1945, which is considered the first automatic watch to display the date.
The era of divers and explorers (1950-1980)
In the 1950s, Rolex benefited from its association with exploration and adventure. Models like the Submariner, launched in 1953, and the GMT-Master, created in collaboration with Pan Am for pilots, became symbols of this era. These watches were not only stylish, but also designed to withstand extreme environments, cementing Rolex's reputation as a manufacturer of rugged and precise watches.
The rise to luxury (1980–present)
Over the decades, Rolex has become synonymous with luxury and social status. Rolex watches are often worn by famous people and are considered one of the best investments in watches. The brand has focused on artisanal quality, with rigorous control of each piece produced.
Rolex has also been at the forefront of the watch industry by introducing high-precision automatic movements and developing innovative materials such as Everose gold and cerachrom for bezels.
Philanthropic commitment
In addition to its watchmaking heritage, Rolex is engaged in various philanthropic initiatives, notably through the Rolex Awards for Enterprise, which supports innovative projects in different fields, such as science, environment and culture.
Conclusion
Today, Rolex is more than just a watch brand; it embodies a symbol of success and accomplishment. With over a century of innovation and a commitment to excellence, Rolex continues to fascinate watch enthusiasts around the world.