Rolex Explorer II “Albino Freccione” or "Steve McQueen" ref. 1655

This stainless-steel Rolex reference 1655 Explorer II “Albino Freccione” or “Steve McQueen” produced ca. 1973 is overall in fantastic condition, just fully serviced and comes as a complete collector set.

The original and period correct MK2 matte black dial is in great condition and gives the watch a typical 70-ies funky and vintage vibe. The luminous material on the dial and hands has nicely patinated into a creamy and even color. The date wheel at 3 ‘o clock has the correct “open 6” and “open 9”. The orange 24-hour hand on this example has faded over the years to white, hence the nickname “Albino Freccione”. The white colored 24-hour hand gives the 1655 a completely different and more subdued look. Very rare and perfect for those who want something different.

The 39mm steel Oyster-case has thick lugs and sharp lines and is recently slightly touched up, of course preserving the original shape and lines. Because of the fantastic polish and brush combinations, it still plays constantly with the light. The newer fixed bezel, with 24-hour indication in even numbers Arabic numerals, is also in fantastic condition. The reference number and the case number between the lugs are clear and crisp, indicating the production year of +/- 1973 (376XXXX).

Inside the steel Oyster case, it houses Rolex’s caliber 1575 with hacking function. The mechanism, beating at a rate of 18,800 A/h. This movement had a full service in November 2022, so you will get our 2-year warranty.

The “Oyster-bracelet” and original Rolex adjustable clasp is very practical, they both are in great condition and had recently some improvements (normal stretch, maximum wrist circumference approximately 19cm).

This stunner with a very cool professional history, comes with:

• The original Rolex outer box;
• The original Rolex inner box;
• The “punched Rolex paper” (dated 1977, Tenerife Spain);
• The original green Rolex warranty folder;
• The Rolex Calendar card (1976 – 1977);
• The service bill and guarantee card, dated 1984, Madrid Spain (for 8.200,- Ptas which was 50,- euro!);
• A service bill (dated 1993, Tenerife Spain (for 16.637,- Ptas which was 100,- euro!);
• The Rolex Explorer Booklet;
• Our 2-year warranty.

Considered all facts and figures, this ‘over complete’ steel sport watch combines the cool aesthetics of a tool watch with the elegant patina of a vintage Rolex from the 70-ies.

We think this watch is, just like Steve McQueen himself, “The King of Cool”.

Viewings can be arranged by appointment only, at our cozy showroom surrounded by 70 beautiful classic cars (Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Porsche, Rolls Royce, and many more, only 15 minutes from Amsterdam).