ROLEX Retailed by Tiffany & Co, Explorer II "Steve McQueen" Ref. 1655

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ROLEX Retailed by Tiffany & Co, Explorer II "Steve McQueen" Ref. 1655

About the Item

BRAND NAME: Rolex STYLE NUMBER: 1655 SERIES: Explorer II "Steve McQueen" STYLE (GENDER): Men's CASE MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIAL COLOR: Black with "Tropical" Brown Patina Markers MOVEMENT: Automatic FUNCTIONS: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, date at 3, GMT CRYSTAL MATERIAL: Plastic Crystal - w/ Cyclops lens CASEBACK: Stainless Steel (With Engraving "To My Captain 1973") WATER RESISTANCE: Vintage pieces no longer guaranteed waterproof CROWN MATERIAL: Stainless Steel WATCH BRACELET / STRAP MATERIAL: Original Stainless Steel Oyster Link Riveted Bracelet WATCH CLASP MATERIAL: Folding Clasp ADDITIONAL INFO: Commonly referred to as the "Steve McQueen" Rolex, this vintage 1655 Explorer II is extraordinary. It was produced in 1971 and has aged exceptionally well. It features "Tropical" brown Patina markers that are 100% genuine and original to the watch. Nothing has been changed or altered, all original. It is a one owner timepiece and carries all the panache that a field tested Rolex should! Previous owner was a Military Captain and this watch was purchased for him by his wife at Tiffany & Co. in 1973 according to the engraving on the case back. This watch has NEVER been polished (Check Pictures). It still has the manufacturers 3rd edge on the casing and exhibits very sharp corners at most positions. High resolution photos have been taken to establish current condition from every angle. This is considered a "First Generation" version with a "Straight Second Hand" and matching 1st generation bezel. You can tell that this is the original bezel based off of how close the 24 hour markers are towards the crystal. Later versions exhibited markers that were closer to the middle of the bezel. Truly a fine and rare example of a first generation 1655 Explorer and probably one of the first to come off the production line based on its serial number. The fact that this timepiece was retailed by Tiffany & Co. really puts it over the top as far as collectability is concerned. The watch bears their genuine symbol which makes it very special and rare. As far as value is concerned, just to put things into perspective, check out this listing at Antiquorum.com below. A similar version with a Tiffany & Co. stamped dial brought over $48,000 in 2011 less than two years ago. Their watch was a much later version without straight second hand, and did not age as well as this beauty. A first generation version with exceptional patina like this is even better! http://catalog.antiquorum.com/catalog.html?action=load&lotid=534&auctionid=250 We value full transparency so please do not hesitate to ask any questions about the timepiece. We are excited to offer it and encourage questions from dealers, collectors, and novices alike. Bid with confidence. Please make sure to contact us prior to bidding though to discuss payment options otherwise bids will be canceled.

Creator:
Rolex
Case Material:
Stainless Steel
Case Dimensions:
Diameter: 1.5 in (38 mm)
Place of Origin:
Switzerland
Period:
1970-1979
Date of Manufacture:
1971
Condition:
Pre-Owned.
Seller Location:
Los Angeles, CA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: JU120604266186

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Rolex

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.

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