Rolex 1655 Explorer II SS Black Dial Circa. 1972

Introduced in 1971, the Rolex Explorer II reference 1655 stands as one of the most distinctive tool watches of the brand's vintage era. Built in stainless steel and fitted with a fixed 24-hour bezel, it was conceived for cave explorers, mountaineers, and professionals who needed to distinguish day from night in environments without natural light. Its matte black dial, bold luminous plots, and oversized orange 24-hour hand give the watch the unmistakable look that later earned it the collector nickname Freccione. Powering the watch is the automatic Rolex caliber 1575, a proven GMT-based movement adapted here to provide the Explorer II's signature 24-hour indication and date display. The reference 1655 was produced for roughly the 1970s into the mid-1980s, and its long production run created multiple dial, hand, and bezel variations that are closely studied by seasoned collectors. Unlike later Explorer II references, this first-generation model was not designed as a modern independently adjustable GMT watch, which makes its original purpose and period mechanics especially appealing today. Its 39 mm Oyster case, acrylic crystal, and utilitarian brushed steel construction preserve the uncompromising character of a true vintage Rolex sports watch. The 1655 remained underappreciated for years before emerging as one of the most charismatic and historically important references in the Explorer family. Today, it is valued not only for rarity and originality, but for representing a singular moment when Rolex produced a highly specialized professional watch with a design language found nowhere else in the catalog. Excellent Condition with Rolex box.