ROLEX | 'STEVE MCQUEEN' EXPLORER II, REF 1655STAINLESS STEEL DUAL TIME WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELETCIRCA 1979

Dial: black Calibre: cal. 1570 automatic, 26 jewels  Movement number: D'224'543 Case: stainless steel, screw-down back Case number: 6'251'203 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp Dimensions: 40 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 175 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: none

MVT: is running at the time of cataloguing and the date advancing. CASE: in very good condition with sharp lugs and nice metal-brushed finishing to the top of the lugs. There is only minor surface wear visible with the naked eye and there are some signs of polishing. The bracelet, reference 78360, is in good condition with some surface wear and light stretching. DIAL: in good condition. There are two fine circular surface marks visible just inside of the outer minute track and around the Rolex logo. A few more surface blemishes can be spotted when closely examining the dial. The luminous indexes have aged nicely and show almost no reaction under UV light. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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."

Originally developed in 1971 for cave explorers, the Explorer II ref. 1655 is the first reference in this family of Rolex watches. The Explorer 1655 is often referred to by the nickname 'Freccione' (Italian for 'arrow') thanks to its prominent arrow-tipped orange 24-hour hand. By pointing to the fixed 24-hour marked bezel, the orange 24-hour hand serves as a prominent AM/PM indicator; practical for those who spend extended periods deep inside caves. The present lot belongs to the 2nd generation of the reference primarily discernible by the lollipop seconds hand.