Vintage Rolex 1655 Explorer Steve McQueen STRAIGHT HAND 1972 UNPOLISHED
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1655 Serial: 3039*** Year: 1972 Model: Rolex Explorer "Steve McQueen" Straight Hand Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Di...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II 1655 'Albino Freccione' Vintage Steel Mens Watch W/Papers
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Explorer II 1655 'Albino Freccione' Vintage Steel Mens Watch. Officially certified chronometer self-winding movement. Straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjus...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steve McQueen Explorer II "Freccione" Ref. #1655 Straight Hand Watch, 1971
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: Explorer II * UNPOLISHED* Year: 1971 Serial number: 327xxxxx Reference: #1655 Case: Show normal sign of wear with no sign of polish from previous; inner ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II 1655 “Steve McQueen†Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Explorer II 1655 Mens Watch. 39mm Stainless Steel case. Stainless Steel 24 Hour bezel. Black dial with Luminous hands and index hour markers. Minute markers on the outer dia...
ROLEX Explorer Ref. 1016, 1972
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Rolex Explorer 1, Ref. 1016, serial number = 1972, Oyster Bracelet, original, near mint dial.
Stainless Steel
'Steve Mcqueen' Orange-hand Explorer II By Rolex
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Stainless Steel Orange-Hand Explorer II by Rolex
Stainless Steel
ROLEX Ref 1655 Explorer II "Straight Hand" 1st Series
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Stainless Steel Orange Hand "Steve McQueen" Explorer II by Rolex. A must have for all collectors, recognized for its original design with big orange 24-hour hand. A true tool watch w...
Stainless Steel
ROLEX "Steve McQueen" Ref 1655 Stainless Steel Explorer II
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Stainless Steel Orange Hand "Steve McQueen" Explorer II by Rolex. A must have for all collectors, recognized for its original design with big orange 24-hour hand. A true tool watch w...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Wristwatch ref 1655
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Nice overall condition with an early original “T Swiss T” MK II dial, service bezel and newer flip lock bracelet. 40mm
Stainless Steel
Orange Hand "Steve McQueen" Explorer II by Rolex
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Stainless Steel Orange Hand "Steve McQueen" Explorer II by Rolex - Box & papers, A must have for all collectors, funky big orange hand design, Satin finish stainless steel bezel, two...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Wristwatch Ref 1655
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Serviced at Rolex and accompanied by the service records. Retaining the original bezel and thick case, the watch has an attractive soft patina and during service was fitted with newe...
Stainless Steel
ROLEX Ref# 1655 "Steve McQueen" Stainless Steel Explorer II
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A fantastic example of the coveted Orange Hand 1970's Ref# 1655 Explorer II. This wristwatch has an evenly aged dial with even patina distribution across markers. The orange hour han...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer Wristwatch Ref 1016 circa 1975
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Collectible vintage Rolex stainless steel Explorer I wristwatch, Ref. 1016, with hack feature and automatic movement. Stainless steel case with smooth bezel (36mm diameter). Black di...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel "Hacking" Explorer Wristwatch Ref 1016 circa 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
This stainless steel Rolex Explorer features a mint condition case, hacking mechanism and soft patina on the dial. Rolex Explorers are always celebrated for their simplicity and trul...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II "Steve McQueen" Wristwatch Ref 1655
By Rolex
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
Circa 1978 with original 78360 bracelet MK2 Frog Foot Dial MK2 Bezel A wearable, collectable, iconic example of a 1970's Rolex. Also referred to as "Freccione" for the la...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Orange Hand Explorer II Watch Ref 1655
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Unpolished condition Rolex Explorer II, aka "The Steve McQueen", complete with box and papers in absolutely exceptional condition, among the nicest we have encountered. Original beze...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Tiffany & Co. Stainless Steel Explorer Chronometer Wristwatch Ref 1016
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
“This is a great watch”. It’s got it all. A striking patina that’s matched on the hands and markers, originally sold at Tiffany & Company and in amazing, all original condition. The ...
Stainless Steel
Pre-Owned Mint Rolex Explorer II Ref. #1655 with Patina
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
This watch is noted for its exceptional “pumpkin” colored patina, mint overall condition and unpolished case. It is an example that would suit the preference of the discerning collec...
Steel
Rolex Explorer II Steve McQueen Steel Matte Black Dial Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Stainless Steel Steve McQueen Explorer II Vintage Gents Wristwatch, matte black dial with hour markers, date at 3 0'clock, orange GMT hand, a fixed stainless steel 24 hour bezel, a...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Straight Hand Explorer II Sold by Joyeria Riviera circa 1975
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Absolutely one of the best orange hand ref. 1655 Explorer II we have ever seen, this watch has every detail spot on and absolutely no excuses. A true "Holy Grail" example! The lis...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Steve McQueen Orange Hand Wristwatch Ref 1655
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex stainless steel Explorer II orange hand Steve McQueen wristwatch, Ref. 1655, with automatic movement, 26 jewels, acrylic crystal. Stainless steel with 24 hour bezel (38mm diam...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel "Straight Hand" Explorer II Wristwatch Ref 1655 Circa 1975
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Rolex stainless steel "straight hand" Explorer II wristwatch, Ref. 1655, Circa 1975. One of the latest serial numbers you will see for a straight hand Explorer II… But that’s not all...
Stainless Steel
'Steve McQueen' Orange Hand Explorer II by Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
'Steve McQueen' Orange Hand Explorer II by Rolex - Stainless Steel, ref #1655, amazing condition
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer I Wristwatch Ref 1016
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This a mint example of a Rolex Explorer I reference 1016 from the 1970s. The case is very sharp and the dial is in mint condition. This particular watch comes with a hack feature. Th...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Freccione Wristwatch Ref 1655
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is a Rolex Explorer II reference 1655 with an orange GMT hand known as the Steve McQueen or Freccione. The dial and hands have a very pleasing patina. The case and bezel are bot...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Steve McQueen Wristwatch Ref 1655
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is a great example of a stainless steel Rolex Explorer II, Ref. 1655, circa 1974. It has the original factory bezel and a beautiful original dial with pleasing luminous markers....
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Ref 1655 aka Steve McQueen or Freccione c.1974
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is a great example of a Rolex Explorer II from 1970's. It has the original factory bezel and a beautiful original dial with pleasing luminous markers.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Explorer Wristwatch Ref 1016
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is a mint and unused example of an original Rolex Explorer I reference 1016 retailed by Tiffany & Co from the 1970's.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Explorer II ref 1655 2.9m circa 1970
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Explorer II ref 1655 early model serial # 2.9 million circa 1970 with straight sweep seconds hand without luminous dot.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer Wristwatch circa 1978
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Explorer wristwatch, Ref. 1016, serial number 5.7 million, circa 1978. Beautiful condition original matte black dial with luminous ivory-colored indexes and mat...
Stainless Steel
ROLEX Stainless Steel Explorer Wristwatch Ref 1016
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Explorer 1 ref 1016, 2.95 million serial # circa 1971. 36mm diameter case with smooth bezel, acrylic crystal, calibre 1570 self winding movement with sweep seconds and hack ...
Stainless Steel
While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.
Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.
But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.
But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.
Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.
The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.
Find vintage Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.
Antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches have captured the hearts and minds of all manner of watch collectors as well as the watchmakers themselves — it's time you found your own.
Certain vintage watches for men and iconic watch designs for women are sought after not only because of their graceful proportions or innovative materials but also because of the illustrious histories of the houses that created them, histories that they stylishly embody.
Bulgari’s legendary Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional wristwatches.
Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.
In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.
Are you shopping for a wristwatch? It’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.
Find antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches for sale on 1stDibs.
A fresh palette of dial colors and technological advances have elevated this classic watch model.
The watch has transformed several times over, but it’s still undeniably a classic.
This is perhaps the least subtle version of the Submariner.
If you think this looks like the Rolex Kermit, you're correct.
This model was designed for lefties.
Learn the devious techniques that counterfeiters use to sell inauthentic pieces at authentic prices. Of course, you don't have to worry about that on 1stDibs, where every seller of Rolex watches is highly vetted.
From understanding the models to choosing among vintage, pre-owned and new watches, here’s our expert advice on finding the best Rolex for you.
As the cache goes on display at London’s Design Museum, we speak to its enigmatic owner about some of his rarest acquisitions.