Explorer II MK5 ‘Freccione’

Rolex introduced the Explorer II with reference 1655 in 1971 – This reference was in production till 1984, when it was replaced by the Explorer 16550. The 1655 Rolex Explorer II, often nicknamed ‘Freccione’ or ‘Orange Hand’ in todays market, wasn’t really a popular watch at the time. It’s one of the reasons not that many are found for sale today and it’s also one of the more rare vintage Rolex’s when compared to the availability of its vintage brothers.

This Explorer II MK5 ‘Freccione’ (Italian collectors refer to this reference as the ‘Il Freccione’ which freely translates to The Arrow) is in a good condition with a fat case and strong lugs. The 78360 Oyster bracelet with 580 end-links doesn’t show much stretch and fits perfectly. The funky indexes on the dial show a wonderful off-white patina, with the Tritium inside the hands to match. The matte black dial remains in pristine condition without any damages, scratches or marks. On the outside there are a few marks on the case, lugs and bracelet from wear, but remember that this watch was initially made for cave explorers and is a true Toolwatch at hart! I like to think of those marks as silent witnesses to this Explorers past adventures.. The thing that really pops out the most is of course the 24 hour arrow hand, which has turned to a beautiful orange/yellow-ish tone. This larger arrow-hand is calibrated with the stainless steel 24 hour bezel to tell the wearer of the watch the time in AM or PM. That stainless steel 24 hour bezel is the/an original MK4 bezel.

The Explorer’s 1575 movement has been fully serviced according the Rolex specs. but we did not polish the case and/or bracelet – We like to see these type of watches with some battle scars. This 1655 Explorer II MK5 ‘Freccione’ will be sold with a 24 month warranty.

reference: 1655 MK5
case number: 73XXXXX
year of production: 1982
case diameter: 40mm
movement: automatic, Rolex caliber 1570
box and papers: no

Sold