The Steve McQueen Rolex Explorer II

Rolex Explorer II 1655

Originally created for cave explorers who would tend to loose track of day and night for spending hours at a time in the dark, the Rolex Explorer II 1655, or what is known today as the Steve McQueen Rolex, is one of the most craved vintage watches in the world. Although to this day it is questionable where the Explorer II gained its nickname, its association with Steve McQueen is what begets this particular model its legendary reputation. With so many questions surrounding the The Rolex Explorer II, it said to be a real mysterious indeed. 

First introduced in 1971, the Rolex Explorer II featured an orange extra hour hand and a straight seconds hand. After 1975, the Explorer II went through a slight make over and was given a red extra hour hand, although there is speculation amongst collectors as some claim that red hands can fade to orange and orange hands can fade to yellow. Granted these details may seems meager, its the straight seconds and orange extra hour hands that make the Explorer II 1655 more valuable than other Explorer II models on the market. Nevertheless despite its popularity today, the Explorer II was not in demand during its time in production as some considered its dial too busy and illegible. 

Rolex Explorer II Watch Strap

Steve McQueen

Aside for its hands though, the Explorer II has no other discerning feature that sets this model apart from the rest. Its sole claim to fame and fortune is its connection with the “king of cool”, regardless of the lack of proof if Steve McQueen actually wore one himself. 

COSC certified, The Rolex Explorer II 1655 has a 38mm diameter case, Rolex Oyster bracelet for a watch strap, automatic movement, plexiglass, date with cyclops lens, GMT feature, second time zone, and acrylic crystal screw down crown.

Explorer II Leather Watch Strap

Although the 1655 Rolex Explorer II watch band is a Rolex Oyster bracelet, over the years the 1655 Explorer II has graced a variety of different watch straps, like leather watch bands, or nato watch straps.

So whats the point of owning a 1655 Rolex Explorer II one may ask? Its like the equivalent of gaining membership to an exclusive treehouse club, where the door bears the mandatory hand written “no girls allowed” disclaimer, and the password is “orange GMT hand”. Only collectors and watch connoisseurs can notice the scant yet important details that make the 1655 unique, and that in itself is rewarding for the watch enthusiast. 

Explorer II Watch Band

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