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Lol-x · 21 August 2009, 08:45 PM

Well after looking for quite a few months I was fortunate enough to get a Rolex Explorer II (aka "The Steve McQueen" supposedly because Rolex called it that but no photos of him wearing one can be found).

Anyway, this model is one that is very troublesome to buy because there are many variations, and it has been know to be very much frankenised e.g. a 1675 case changed over to be a 1655, etc.

I feel safe in having bought this watch from one who knows his Rolex, none other than the author of "The Rolex Report".

It is a 6million serial no. sold in December 1980 with everything original including tritium dial and hands, I almost got the whole set except for the vintage Rolex Explorer booklets (which are very expensive) and the tags, calendar and warranty holder.

However, as a bonus I have the original Bucherer sales receipt complete with the Bucherer dealer stamp and the writing to match up perfectly with the Bucherer stamped and dated original Rolex Guarantee.

The watch is very unique in its appearance (sorry this photo was taken under fluorescent lighting).

1655-6.png

mcjp6 · 21 August 2009, 09:08 PM

Beautiful watch Steve, and the provenance to match...

You gotta be happy with that. Definitely a hard watch to find, let alone in such good condition...

Lol-x · 21 August 2009, 09:15 PM

Thanks Michael I'll post some better photos when the circumstances permit

Andad · 21 August 2009, 09:34 PM

Nice 1655 Steve

but we expect a lot of pix from the Boss.

I can't even see 'Rolex' on the dial in that one.

Welshwatchman · 21 August 2009, 09:54 PM

It's been on the cards for quite a while and for those who have followed your threads on this subject it has been a very good lesson as to how to research and purchase such a watch.

Having said that, how come you've got all this cash to acquire such a piece yet you vetoed a modest $10,000 raise on our mod salary, you tight bastid?.

:

mgm · 22 August 2009, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Welshwatchman

Having said that, how come you've got all this cash to acquire such a piece yet you vetoed a modest $10,000 raise on our mod salary, you tight bastid?.

:

What was the question?

mike · 22 August 2009, 07:13 AM

Wonderful score Steve and the biggest of congrats!!

The 1655 is one of those grail pieces that takes collectors to a whole nuther level.

WAY TO GO!!!!

:thu mbsup:

snow_rocks · 22 August 2009, 07:21 AM

I can't tell from the photo, but is the 24 hr hand red, as this should be consistent with the year you stated.

bagel · 22 August 2009, 12:07 PM

Congrat .... it is a very nice orange hand .....

DadsWatch72 · 22 September 2009, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snow_rocks

I can't tell from the photo, but is the 24 hr hand red, as this should be consistent with the year you stated.

This is a 1980 here on http://doubleredseadweller.com/oh_e2.htm

Rebel · 21 August 2009, 10:12 PM

RLX-lvr · 21 August 2009, 11:09 PM

Very exciting example you got there Steve.

Can't wait to see more photos when you have time.

Congrats.

Gerry · 21 August 2009, 11:09 PM

That's fantastic, Steve! How fortunate to get all the extras along with it.

onkyo · 21 August 2009, 11:15 PM

Steve,

What an incredible and RARE package!!

Your hard work in finding this beauty has paid off in full.

I am excited to see some more pics!

JJ Irani · 22 August 2009, 03:23 AM

Congrats on a classic, Steve!

Perdu · 23 August 2009, 09:36 AM

Steve,

I don't see the photo?

pz93c · 23 August 2009, 09:38 AM

Slick.

Paulie · 23 August 2009, 09:41 AM

Outstanding! Congrats!!!!

ROLEX MAN · 23 August 2009, 09:02 PM

Big, Big congrats, enjoy it often!!!

R1@160@alltimes · 27 August 2009, 09:09 PM

Awesome piece Steve!!! Enjoy it for many years.

I actually ordered my own copy of The Rolex Report last night.....can't wait until it gets here

Lol-x · 23 August 2009, 09:39 PM

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the kind, positive and thoughtful responses

Skullring · 24 August 2009, 01:40 AM

Congratulations Steve. That is a real find. Can't wait for more photos.

IQ Publishing · 24 August 2009, 01:52 AM

I acquired the watch from the original owner last year. The watch was serviced but everything was kept original.

You got a great watch (and a great deal).

Enjoy!!

If you like I can post some of the pics I had taken earlier. Just let me know.

Lol-x · 24 August 2009, 08:49 PM

Hi John, thanks for selling me this great watch, it was an all round pleasure

Please post as many photos as you wish.

I was very confident buying this watch from you and as you stated it has not been disappointing one little bit

swatty · 24 August 2009, 08:59 PM

Great find Steve, more pics please

IQ Publishing · 25 August 2009, 12:34 AM

Steve,

You are quite welcome. The transaction went flawless and I would not hesitate dealing with you again in the future. Wear it in good health.

Here are a few pics... Enjoy!!

T5AUS · 25 August 2009, 08:54 AM

Very very nice Steve, that's one that has been on my "must find" list for a long time, they are just so hard to locate in this original condition with all the trimmings ta boot, great score mate

GBJIV · 25 August 2009, 09:02 AM

Sweet Steve... Major congrats... I love it. Could not go to a better ambassador of the brand!

CKLinLA · 25 August 2009, 09:31 AM

Congratulations.
Its my favorite Rolex. Will be looking forward to seeing more pics!

therolexguy · 25 August 2009, 11:54 AM

I'm happy for you....sad for me. That thing is awesome. Congrats.

21 August 2009, 08:45 PM	#1
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,566	Incoming.....Rolex Explorer II 1655 Well after looking for quite a few months I was fortunate enough to get a Rolex Explorer II (aka "The Steve McQueen" supposedly because Rolex called it that but no photos of him wearing one can be found). Anyway, this model is one that is very troublesome to buy because there are many variations, and it has been know to be very much frankenised e.g. a 1675 case changed over to be a 1655, etc. I feel safe in having bought this watch from one who knows his Rolex, none other than the author of "The Rolex Report". It is a 6million serial no. sold in December 1980 with everything original including tritium dial and hands, I almost got the whole set except for the vintage Rolex Explorer booklets (which are very expensive) and the tags, calendar and warranty holder. However, as a bonus I have the original Bucherer sales receipt complete with the Bucherer dealer stamp and the writing to match up perfectly with the Bucherer stamped and dated original Rolex Guarantee. The watch is very unique in its appearance (sorry this photo was taken under fluorescent lighting). 1655-6.png __________________ *Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.* ~Abraham Lincoln Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim

21 August 2009, 09:15 PM	#3
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,566	Thanks Michael I'll post some better photos when the circumstances permit __________________ *Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.* ~Abraham Lincoln Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim

21 August 2009, 09:34 PM	#4
Andad 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 37,510	Nice 1655 Steve but we expect a lot of pix from the Boss. I can't even see 'Rolex' on the dial in that one. __________________ E

21 August 2009, 09:54 PM	#5
Welshwatchman "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Real Name: Paul Location: Wales, UK Posts: 14,578	It's been on the cards for quite a while and for those who have followed your threads on this subject it has been a very good lesson as to how to research and purchase such a watch. Having said that, how come you've got all this cash to acquire such a piece yet you vetoed a modest $10,000 raise on our mod salary, you tight bastid?.: __________________ ..33

22 August 2009, 07:13 AM	#7
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,683	Wonderful score Steve and the biggest of congrats!! The 1655 is one of those grail pieces that takes collectors to a whole nuther level. WAY TO GO!!!!:thu mbsup:

21 August 2009, 09:08 PM	#2
mcjp6 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Michael Location: VK2 - AUS Watch: 5513s Posts: 7,380	Beautiful watch Steve, and the provenance to match... You gotta be happy with that. Definitely a hard watch to find, let alone in such good condition...

22 August 2009, 07:21 AM	#8
snow_rocks Banned Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Rick Location: At what TIME?!!! Watch: the SKY tonite! Posts: 3,225	I can't tell from the photo, but is the 24 hr hand red, as this should be consistent with the year you stated.

22 August 2009, 12:07 PM	#9
bagel "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 605	Congrat .... it is a very nice orange hand .....

21 August 2009, 10:12 PM	#11
Rebel "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Dr Mark R Nail Location: New Albany Watch: Tudor Sub 75090 Posts: 8,241	__________________ ------------------------------- Member of the Nylon Nation

21 August 2009, 11:09 PM	#12
RLX-lvr "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Jeff Location: Toronto Posts: 1,947	Very exciting example you got there Steve. Can't wait to see more photos when you have time. Congrats.

21 August 2009, 11:09 PM	#13
Gerry "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Melbourne, Aus. Watch: Z Series 16613 Posts: 887	That's fantastic, Steve! How fortunate to get all the extras along with it. __________________

21 August 2009, 11:15 PM	#14
onkyo Banned Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Pav Location: Manhattan Posts: 11,495	Steve, What an incredible and RARE package!! Your hard work in finding this beauty has paid off in full. I am excited to see some more pics!

22 August 2009, 03:23 AM	#15
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,319	Congrats on a classic, Steve! __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

23 August 2009, 09:36 AM	#16
Perdu "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Gary Location: GMT-6 Watch: GMT Posts: 3,350	Steve, I don't see the photo? __________________ Omega Seamaster 300M GMT Noire Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 8500 Benson 1937 Sterling Silver Hunter

23 August 2009, 09:38 AM	#17
pz93c "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Brian Location: Republic of Texas Posts: 2,776	Slick.

23 August 2009, 09:41 AM	#18
Paulie "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Chicagoland Watch: GMTII and OP! Posts: 1,272	Outstanding! Congrats!!!! __________________

23 August 2009, 09:02 PM	#19
ROLEX MAN 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Martin Location: Home and Away Watch: you? "YES PLEASE"! Posts: 3,717	Big, Big congrats, enjoy it often!!! __________________ *it's not just about telling the time...* *happy rolexing...* I'm just a man with a passion

27 August 2009, 09:09 PM	#20
R1@160@alltimes "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: USA Watch: ♛ Posts: 4,408	Awesome piece Steve!!! Enjoy it for many years. I actually ordered my own copy of The Rolex Report last night.....can't wait until it gets here __________________

23 August 2009, 09:39 PM	#21
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,566	Thanks guys, I really appreciate the kind, positive and thoughtful responses __________________ *Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.* ~Abraham Lincoln Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim

24 August 2009, 01:40 AM	#22
Skullring "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Phillip Location: Alabama Watch: Triple 6 SD Posts: 1,720	Congratulations Steve. That is a real find. Can't wait for more photos. __________________ It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. - Antoine de Saint Exupéry

24 August 2009, 01:52 AM	#23
IQ Publishing "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Real Name: John E. Brozek Location: St Petersburg, FL Posts: 369	I'm glad I could help with the watch... I acquired the watch from the original owner last year. The watch was serviced but everything was kept original. You got a great watch (and a great deal). Enjoy!! If you like I can post some of the pics I had taken earlier. Just let me know. __________________ John E. Brozek QualityTyme Rare & Fine Timepieces InfoQuest Publishing, Inc.

24 August 2009, 08:49 PM	#24
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,566	Hi John, thanks for selling me this great watch, it was an all round pleasure Please post as many photos as you wish. I was very confident buying this watch from you and as you stated it has not been disappointing one little bit __________________ *Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.* ~Abraham Lincoln Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim

24 August 2009, 08:59 PM	#25
swatty 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Peter Location: Sydney Watch: The Game Posts: 17,415	Great find Steve, more pics please

25 August 2009, 12:34 AM	#26
IQ Publishing "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Real Name: John E. Brozek Location: St Petersburg, FL Posts: 369	Steve, You are quite welcome. The transaction went flawless and I would not hesitate dealing with you again in the future. Wear it in good health. Here are a few pics... Enjoy!! __________________ John E. Brozek QualityTyme Rare & Fine Timepieces InfoQuest Publishing, Inc. Last edited by IQ Publishing; 25 August 2009 at 12:36 AM.. Reason: images

25 August 2009, 08:54 AM	#27
T5AUS Banned Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: USA Watch: ing the time go by Posts: 1,444	Very very nice Steve, that's one that has been on my "must find" list for a long time, they are just so hard to locate in this original condition with all the trimmings ta boot, great score mate

25 August 2009, 09:02 AM	#28
GBJIV "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: Jackson Location: So. California Posts: 2,893	Sweet Steve... Major congrats... I love it. Could not go to a better ambassador of the brand! __________________ Jackson

25 August 2009, 09:31 AM	#29
CKLinLA "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: KL Location: Los Angeles Watch: Explorer II Black Posts: 1,480	Congratulations. Its my favorite Rolex. Will be looking forward to seeing more pics! __________________ Explorer II 1655; Day Date 1803; Submariner 14060; Deepsea Sea-Dweller 116660; 5-Digit Datejusts; Perpetual Date 1500 and 15000; Pelagos FXD M25707B; Omega Dynamic 'Targa Florio' 5291.51.07; 'Good Planet' GMT 232.30.44.22.03.001; Planet Ocean 215.30.40.20.03.002; Zenith Chronomaster Original 03.3200.3600/22.M3200.

25 August 2009, 11:54 AM	#30
therolexguy 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: Todd Location: US Posts: 3,528	I'm happy for you....sad for me. That thing is awesome. Congrats.

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