ROLEX | 'STEVE MCQUEEN' EXPLORER II , REF 1655 STAINLESS STEEL DUAL TIME WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELETCIRCA 1975

Dial: black Calibre: cal. 1570 automatic, 26 jewels Movement number: D’215’770 Case: stainless steel, screw-down back Case number: 3’961’946 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp Dimensions: 37.5 mm, bracelet circumference approximately 185 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: blank Rolex guarantee, Explorer and Oyster booklets, document holder, Chronometer and Sales tag, presentation case and outer packaging

DIAL: in good condition with even patination throughout the indexes, hands in good condition with matching patina CASE: with signs of polishing to the lugs. With bracelet removal scratches to the lugs Bracelet: 78360 (B) with 580 endlinks MOVEMENT: running at time of cataloguing, date advances Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Rolex introduced the reference 1655 in 1971, and it remained in production until 1984. This reference was lovingly nicknamed the 'Steve McQueen' by enthusiasts, in tribute to 'The King of Cool' of the counterculture of the 1960s and 70s. The present lot has a Mark II dial, which features the so called ‘frog foot’ coronet. The second dial variation can also be differentiated through the 'L' in 'Perpetual', lining up exactly with the lower end of the 'X' in 'Rolex'.

The dial on the present lot has been well-preserved and has developed a desirable and even beige patination over time. The patina of the indexes matches the colour of the luminescent material on the hands, highlighting its appeal. This piece is made even more attractive with a complete set and original punched Rolex guarantee, an original hanging tag, product literature and presentation case.