
Jonathan Darracott
Global Head
Sold for £22,950 inc. premium
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Head of sale, Knightsbridge
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Cataloguer
The Rolex Explorer II 1655 first appeared on the market in 1971 and continued the tradition of the earlier Explorer models which were first introduced in 1953. The watch was originally developed to accompany speleologists on their cave exploration expeditions and as such was designed with extreme durability in mind. Due to its limited commercial success and short production period, the reference 1655 is today one of the more sought after Vintage Rolex models.
The model features a fixed bezel with 24 hour display and a special 24 hour hand that can be set to distinguish day from night hours. It is known as the "Freccione", Italian for "big arrow", amongst collectors.
The current lot is offered direct from the family of the original owner.