ROLEX EXPLORER II REF 1655 MK2 MAT DIAL FROG FOOT FRECCIONE from 1977 ( STOCK PH WATCHES )
Brand: ROLEX
Model: EXPLORER II FRECCIONE
Reference: 1655
Year: 1977
Serial : 539XXXX
Diameter : 39 MM
Bezel: Magnificent bezel with all its black markings still very much in evidence. A bezel graduated from 2 to 24, quite unique in that it indicates the time over 24 hours thanks to its large orange-turned-yellow hand with a beautiful patina. It indicates the time by turning only once in 24 hours. This hand was used by explorers who could spend several days in caves without natural light, and therefore needed a specific indication to determine whether it was 8 a.m. or 8 p.m., for example. As a result, this bezel is non-directional and fixed.
Case: Very nice, almost unpolished case, still very thick, with nice, well-presented chamfers, no major dents or scratches. Chamfers still visible and in perfect condition. Caseback in perfect condition and unoxidized thread engraved 1655.
Movement : Automatic calibre 1570
Dial: Beautiful original black dial with very specific indexes showing the hours over 12 and 24 hours with a magnificent vanilla yellow patina and hands that match really well. Very rare MK2 series "T swiss T" only and frog foot coronet
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: The Explorer II, also known as the "Freccione" or "Steeve Mc Queen", is a fully-fledged watch in the rolex sport range. This watch, dedicated to explorers, has a unique dial with square hour markers for 24-hour timekeeping and rectangular hour markers for 12-hour timekeeping. This legibility system has never been used on any other model by the brand. Another special feature of this model is its orange 24-hour hand. This complication was of little use in an era of tool watches, making it a model that was rarely produced because of low demand, and therefore quite rare today compared to other sport models in the range that are more affordable for the general public. This is also one of the rarest MK2 series, with a beautiful patina and, if sought-after vanilla, its needle has also patinated to a superb vanilla yellow.
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.
