Watch Info
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Explorer II "Freccione" / "Steve McQueen"
Condition: Excellent (Certified Pre-Owned)
Reference: 1655
Year: Circa 1971–1984
Box: Yes (Rolex CPO Box)
Papers: Yes (Rolex CPO Certificate & Card)
Accessories: Rolex Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Full Set. Includes the white-and-gold Rolex CPO presentation box, the CPO Guarantee Card dated November 2025, the white CPO seal tag, and a service booklet.
Notes: The 1655 is one of the most distinctive and cult-favorite watches in Rolex history. Originally designed for speleologists (cave explorers) who needed to distinguish day from night in absolute darkness, it features a fixed 24-hour bezel and a massive orange "Freccione" (arrow) hand. This specific example is exceptionally rare due to its Certified Pre-Owned status, meaning it has been officially authenticated, inspected, and serviced by Rolex's own workshops as recently as 2025.
Condition Assessment
Overall Condition: Excellent. As a Rolex CPO timepiece, this watch has been restored to Rolex’s rigorous aesthetic and functional standards. While vintage integrity is preserved, the movement has been overhauled and the case evaluated by factory watchmakers.
Dial, Hands, & Crystal: The matte black dial features its unique "discoid" minute track and 24-hour markers. The orange 24-hour hand remains vibrant. As an official CPO piece, the tritium (or service luminova) and hands are verified for period-correctness or official service replacement standards. The acrylic "Plexiglass" crystal is pristine.
Case & Bezel: The 39mm stainless steel case is sharp, featuring the thick, compact lugs that characterize the 1655. The fixed 24-hour bezel—known for its delicate "sunray" brushing—is in excellent condition, with all black enamel markings deep and legible.
Strap/Bracelet & Clasp: Fitted on a period-correct (or Rolex-supplied service) Oyster bracelet. The bracelet is tight, and the clasp operates with the security expected of a factory-certified vintage piece.
Technical Specifications
Reference: 1655
Case Size: 39mm
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Dial: Matte Black (MK series to be determined by serial)
Movement: Calibre 1575 (Automatic)
Power Reserve: Approximately 42 Hours
Water Resistance: 100m (Tested to factory service standards)
Notable Details: Rolex CPO Card (dated 11/2025), two-year international Rolex CPO guarantee, fixed 24-hour bezel, and the iconic "Steve McQueen" orange GMT hand.
Why the CPO 1655 is a Premier Investment
The Rolex Explorer II 1655 is notorious for having "franken-watch" issues in the secondary market (swapped bezels, aftermarket hands, or relumed dials). Purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) example dated November 2025 removes all risk. The CPO card is Rolex’s own definitive stamp of authenticity—a document that is arguably more valuable than original 1970s papers because it guarantees the watch's current mechanical health and legitimacy.
Because it was processed through the CPO program, this 1655 has a two-year international guarantee from Rolex, lasting until November 2027. In a market where vintage Rolex prices are driven by condition and provenance, an official factory-certified "Freccione" represents the highest tier of security for a collector. It bridges the gap between the charm of a 50-year-old tool watch and the reliability of a modern purchase.
Why Buy from Road & Wrist
We guarantee authenticity on every watch we sell, using detailed photographs to ensure when you receive your watch, there are no surprises!
CPO Verified: This watch comes with the official Rolex CPO digital and physical provenance, ensuring it is 100% genuine down to the smallest gear.
Factory Warranty: Benefit from a Rolex-backed international warranty, a rarity in the vintage world.
Transparent Condition Reporting: We highlight the specific "Mark" of the dial and bezel so you can appreciate the nuance of this 1655.
Secure Shipping: Shipped via fully insured, tracked overnight service with signature required.
Watch Info
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Explorer II "Freccione" / "Steve McQueen"
Condition: Excellent (Certified Pre-Owned)
Reference: 1655
Year: Circa 1971–1984
Box: Yes (Rolex CPO Box)
Papers: Yes (Rolex CPO Certificate & Card)
Accessories: Rolex Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Full Set. Includes the white-and-gold Rolex CPO presentation box, the CPO Guarantee Card dated November 2025, the white CPO seal tag, and a service booklet.
Notes: The 1655 is one of the most distinctive and cult-favorite watches in Rolex history. Originally designed for speleologists (cave explorers) who needed to distinguish day from night in absolute darkness, it features a fixed 24-hour bezel and a massive orange "Freccione" (arrow) hand. This specific example is exceptionally rare due to its Certified Pre-Owned status, meaning it has been officially authenticated, inspected, and serviced by Rolex's own workshops as recently as 2025.
Condition Assessment
Overall Condition: Excellent. As a Rolex CPO timepiece, this watch has been restored to Rolex’s rigorous aesthetic and functional standards. While vintage integrity is preserved, the movement has been overhauled and the case evaluated by factory watchmakers.
Dial, Hands, & Crystal: The matte black dial features its unique "discoid" minute track and 24-hour markers. The orange 24-hour hand remains vibrant. As an official CPO piece, the tritium (or service luminova) and hands are verified for period-correctness or official service replacement standards. The acrylic "Plexiglass" crystal is pristine.
Case & Bezel: The 39mm stainless steel case is sharp, featuring the thick, compact lugs that characterize the 1655. The fixed 24-hour bezel—known for its delicate "sunray" brushing—is in excellent condition, with all black enamel markings deep and legible.
Strap/Bracelet & Clasp: Fitted on a period-correct (or Rolex-supplied service) Oyster bracelet. The bracelet is tight, and the clasp operates with the security expected of a factory-certified vintage piece.
Technical Specifications
Reference: 1655
Case Size: 39mm
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Dial: Matte Black (MK series to be determined by serial)
Movement: Calibre 1575 (Automatic)
Power Reserve: Approximately 42 Hours
Water Resistance: 100m (Tested to factory service standards)
Notable Details: Rolex CPO Card (dated 11/2025), two-year international Rolex CPO guarantee, fixed 24-hour bezel, and the iconic "Steve McQueen" orange GMT hand.
Why the CPO 1655 is a Premier Investment
The Rolex Explorer II 1655 is notorious for having "franken-watch" issues in the secondary market (swapped bezels, aftermarket hands, or relumed dials). Purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) example dated November 2025 removes all risk. The CPO card is Rolex’s own definitive stamp of authenticity—a document that is arguably more valuable than original 1970s papers because it guarantees the watch's current mechanical health and legitimacy.
Because it was processed through the CPO program, this 1655 has a two-year international guarantee from Rolex, lasting until November 2027. In a market where vintage Rolex prices are driven by condition and provenance, an official factory-certified "Freccione" represents the highest tier of security for a collector. It bridges the gap between the charm of a 50-year-old tool watch and the reliability of a modern purchase.
Why Buy from Road & Wrist
We guarantee authenticity on every watch we sell, using detailed photographs to ensure when you receive your watch, there are no surprises!
CPO Verified: This watch comes with the official Rolex CPO digital and physical provenance, ensuring it is 100% genuine down to the smallest gear.
Factory Warranty: Benefit from a Rolex-backed international warranty, a rarity in the vintage world.
Transparent Condition Reporting: We highlight the specific "Mark" of the dial and bezel so you can appreciate the nuance of this 1655.
Secure Shipping: Shipped via fully insured, tracked overnight service with signature required.
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