Rolex Explorer II 1655 MK1 'Freccione' Full-Set
- Model: MK2
- Year:
- Box and Paper: Yes, with original Box and Papers
- Glass: Plexi Glass
- Dial: MK1 Black Dial with coloured Tritium
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Bracelet: Stainless Steel Oyster Bracelet
- Movement:
FRECCIONE
It’s not the first time Italian collectors have given a nickname to a vintage sports model. For this watch, they named the Explorer II "Freccione" (meaning "big arrow"), in reference to the large orange arrow-shaped hand. Much better than "Hulk" or "Batman"... right?
The Rolex Explorer II Ref. 1655 was introduced in 1971 as a tool watch, designed for cave explorers and adventurers who spent long periods in environments without natural light. Unlike the GMT-Master, which used a rotating bezel, the Explorer II featured a fixed 24-hour bezel and a prominent orange 24-hour hand, allowing the wearer to see the difference between day and night — essential in caves or polar regions.
Over the years, collectors began to appreciate the 1655 not only for its design, but also because it represents a rare moment when Rolex designed a watch for a very specific, niche audience, rather than mass appeal. It’s also gained fame through its association, though unofficial, with actor Steve McQueen, despite there being no evidence he actually wore one. That nickname stuck anyway, adding to the mystique.
The condition of this 1655 is excellent, featuring a Mk1 dial that has beautifully aged into a warm brown hue. The watch is accompanied by its original box and all original papers.
It’s not the first time Italian collectors have given a nickname to a vintage sports model. For this watch, they named the Explorer II "Freccione" (meaning "big arrow"), in reference to the large orange arrow-shaped hand. Much better than "Hulk" or "Batman"... right?
The Rolex Explorer II Ref. 1655 was introduced in 1971 as a tool watch, designed for cave explorers and adventurers who spent long periods in environments without natural light. Unlike the GMT-Master, which used a rotating bezel, the Explorer II featured a fixed 24-hour bezel and a prominent orange 24-hour hand, allowing the wearer to see the difference between day and night — essential in caves or polar regions.
Over the years, collectors began to appreciate the 1655 not only for its design, but also because it represents a rare moment when Rolex designed a watch for a very specific, niche audience, rather than mass appeal. It’s also gained fame through its association, though unofficial, with actor Steve McQueen, despite there being no evidence he actually wore one. That nickname stuck anyway, adding to the mystique.
The condition of this 1655 is excellent, featuring a Mk1 dial that has beautifully aged into a warm brown hue. The watch is accompanied by its original box and all original papers.
Rolex Explorer II 1655 MK1 'Freccione' Full-Set
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