{"product_id":"rolex-explorer-ii-1655-steve-mcqueen-tritium-dial-vintage-1982-full-set-serviced","title":"Rolex Explorer II 1655 \"Steve McQueen\" Tritium Dial 1982 (Full-Set\/Serviced)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRolex Explorer II ref. 1655 in steel, 40mm, black dial, cal. 1570, serial 7.2 million (1982), with original box and punched papers.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eRolex Explorer II\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRolex has been making watches since 1905 and is probably the most recognized watch brand in the world. Their reputation is built on reliability, consistency, and strong resale value rather than on being flashy or exotic. Rolex produces watches in relatively high volumes compared to many Swiss manufacturers, but they maintain tight quality control and use in-house movements. The brand sits firmly in the upper tier of the mainstream luxury watch market, and their watches tend to hold value well over time, which is a big part of why they attract both collectors and everyday buyers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Explorer II was introduced in 1971 and was originally designed with cave explorers and spelunkers in mind, people who needed to track AM and PM time underground where there is no natural light. The reference 1655 is the first generation of the Explorer II and ran through the late 1970s and into the early 1980s. It features a fixed 24-hour bezel rather than a rotating one, paired with a large orange GMT hand, which made it easy to distinguish day from night at a glance. The case measures 40mm but reads larger due to the longer lugs, giving it a bold, somewhat utilitarian look that stands apart from other Rolex models of the era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 1655 has developed a strong following among collectors over the years. It has a distinct, almost tool-watch character that feels different from the more polished Rolex pieces produced today. The reference is sometimes nicknamed \"Steve McQueen\" in collector circles, though there is no confirmed direct connection between the actor and the watch. Still, the nickname stuck and is widely used in the market. Powered by the caliber 1570, a robust and well-regarded movement, the 1655 is considered a legitimate vintage piece and is increasingly sought after as original, unrestored examples become harder to find.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Details To Consider\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rolex Explorer II reference 1655, often called the \"Steve McQueen\" among collectors, is one of the more sought-after vintage Rolex references from the era. This example dates to 1982, confirmed by the 7.2 million serial number, and presents in genuinely good overall condition throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe steel case measures 40mm and retains thick, sharp lugs, which is a strong point on any vintage Rolex. The case was polished at some point by a previous owner, but it still holds good shape and definition. The fixed bezel shows light signs of wear consistent with age and use, nothing distracting. All case numbers remain intact and clearly legible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original black dial is a highlight here. The lume on the indices and hands has aged to a lightly beige tone that spreads evenly, which is exactly what you want to see on a dial this age. It reacts correctly under UV, confirming it is original and untouched. The dial itself is in pristine condition, free from damage, spotting, or fading beyond natural aging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Oyster bracelet retains all 12 links and shows no meaningful stretch. The clasp carries a G code, dating it to 1982 and matching the production year of the watch, which adds to the overall cohesion of the piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe caliber 1570 movement was professionally serviced in July 2026 and has been pressure tested to 3ATM. It runs correctly across all functions, including the date and fixed 24-hour GMT hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe watch comes with its original Rolex box and punched papers bearing the AD stamp, a combination that is genuinely difficult to find on a reference 1655 of this age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55079687782705,"sku":"26-0104","price":27850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/5962\/8593\/files\/image_1_924fac5c-289f-4ee3-a324-87427fadf521.jpg?v=1783133307","url":"https:\/\/bogossia.com\/products\/rolex-explorer-ii-1655-steve-mcqueen-tritium-dial-vintage-1982-full-set-serviced","provider":"Bogossia","version":"1.0","type":"link"}