Description

This is a Rolex Explorer II 1655 Orange Hand Steve McQueen Freccione Vintage. This model was introduced in 1971 and features either a 1570 or 1575 movement.  It also features a fixed stainless-steel bezel and is a GMT Rolex model.  The most striking thing about the Rolex Explorer is that it was designed specifically for cave explorers who, due to being in the dark for so many hours at a time, tend to lose their perspective on “day” and “night.”

When the Rolex Explorer 1655 was first marketed, the second had was straight and unremarkable, but the extra hour hand was bright orange, giving this particular version of the watch its name.  In 1974, Rolex added a luminous circle to further aid in seeing the time in the dark and, after 1975, the extra hour hand was painted a bright red, although collectors still refer to this version as the “orange hand” Explorer.  The watch was produced until 1985 when it was discontinued from the Rolex lineup. This watch is in very good condition for its age.