Rolex
Rolex Explorer II — Ref. 1655 “Freccione”
Rolex Explorer II — Ref. 1655 “Freccione”
Complete Guide & Authentication Service
The Rolex Explorer II reference 1655 (circa 1971–1985) is a cult classic nicknamed “Freccione” for its oversized orange 24‑hour hand. It features a 40 mm steel case, fixed brushed 24‑hour bezel, matte tritium dials, and period Oyster bracelets. Below you’ll find a long‑form guide with authentication checklist, serial windows, dial/hand/bezel/bracelet variants, and common red flags — plus a quick way to order your preliminary certificate with QR verification.
24h
Delivery
€39
Starting Price
QR
Verification
Independent
Service
Model Overview
Why the Explorer II 1655 Matters
Born for spelunkers and polar expeditions, the 1655 introduced a dedicated 24‑hour time display via a fixed steel bezel and bold orange hand. Over its ~14‑year run, dials evolved through multiple Mark variants, the orange hand shifted in hue with age, and bracelets moved from folded to solid links. Authentication relies on coherency across dial print, handset, bezel font, case/serial range and bracelet codes, plus movement details of the period‑correct Cal. 1575 GMT (hacking on later pieces).
40 mm Steel
Crown guards, plexiglass crystal, fixed 24‑hour brushed bezel.
Cal. 1575 GMT
Rolex workhorse with 24h gearing; later examples add hacking seconds.
“Freccione”
Oversized orange hand (often ages to pumpkin); authenticity & hue matter.
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Simple Process
Authenticate Your 1655 in 3 Steps
We combine AI flagging with expert review to deliver a fast, reliable preliminary certificate built for real transactions.
1. Upload
Send clear photos of dial, orange hand, bezel, lugs/serial, caseback (inside if available), movement, bracelet/clasp.
2. Review
We verify dial Mark, print alignment, hand shape/color, bezel font, movement bridges and bracelet codes vs serial window.
3. Certificate
Receive a PDF with ID + QR that buyers can verify on our site — perfect for listings and negotiations.
Deep Dive
Authentication Checklist — Explorer II 1655
A structured checklist minimizes risk. Use it before buying or when preparing a listing.
Case & Bezel
- 40 mm stainless steel Oyster, crown guards; plexiglass crystal.
- Fixed 24‑hour bezel, radially brushed; font/spacing varies by era.
- Inside caseback with period‑correct stamps; outer caseback plain.
- Sharp lug geometry and intact chamfers — avoid over‑polished profiles.
- No rehaut engraving (a much later Rolex feature).
Movement
- Cal. 1575 GMT (Explorer II specification), later with hacking seconds (~mid‑1970s).
- 24h hand geared to the hour train; no independent GMT set (pre‑quickset era).
- Bridge engravings, rotor type, screw style, plating and bevels must match period.
- Service marks inside caseback: assess frequency and quality of maintenance.
Dial & Hands
- Matte tritium dials in multiple Mark variants; typography and minute track alignment are key.
- “SWISS ‑ T < 25” legend on most; early “SWISS” only is atypical.
- Orange 24h hand with large arrow (“Freccione”), aging from vivid orange to pumpkin.
- Mercedes hour/minute/seconds: length and lume tone should match dial age.
- Check for relume (too‑domed plots, chalky texture, glow mismatch).
Bracelet & Clasp
- 7836 folded‑link Oyster (early/mid), later 78360 solid‑link Oyster.
- Common end links: 280 / 580 depending on era; fit should be tight and flush.
- Clasp codes must align with serial window; over‑stamped or mismatched = risk.
- Measure stretch — excessive elongation and over‑polished coronets reduce value.
Pro Tip: The hue and shape of the orange hand and the bezel font geometry are among the fastest ways to detect incorrect parts. Our certificate documents both with close‑crop comparisons.
Dating the Watch
Indicative Serial Windows (’70s–’80s)
Use these ranges as guidance; overlap is common. Cross‑check with dial Mark, bezel font and bracelet/clasp codes for the most accurate dating.
| Serial Range | Approx. Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2.8M – 3.3M | 1971–1972 | Early 1655; bold orange hand; early bezel font |
| 3.4M – 4.2M | 1973–1975 | Movement hacking begins; dial Mark changes |
| 4.3M – 5.6M | 1976–1978 | Bezel font refinements; bracelets transition |
| 6.0M – 7.5M | 1979–1981 | Late matte dials; 78360 bracelets appear |
| 7.6M – 9.0M+ | 1982–1985 | End of production window; more service parts seen |
We overlay bracelet clasp codes and the inner‑caseback stamp to refine results.
Dial Variants
All 1655 dials are matte with painted tritium plots, but typography and spacing evolve across Mark families. Look closely at the “EXPLORER II” font weight, the shape of the coronet, and the alignment between minute hashes and applied plots. Many well‑worn examples show creamy patina; excessively fresh white plots on a heavily worn case can indicate service replacement or relume.
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Oyster Bracelets
Early pieces ship with 7836 folded links; later with 78360 solid links. End links (typically 280 or 580) must fit the case snugly. Clasp codes date the bracelet; unfairly “upgrading” a tired 7836 to a 78360 without disclosure affects originality — we document code coherence and stretch in your certificate.
Risks
Common 1655 Red Flags
Non‑Original Orange Hand
Wrong arrow proportions, incorrect paint tone or lume; modern repaints age poorly.
Service / Redial
Typeface too bold, coronet shape off, perfect plots on an otherwise worn watch.
Over‑Polished Case
Rounded bevels, thin lugs, softened bezel brushing — major value impact.
Bezel Swap
Wrong 24‑hour font or spacing for serial era; re‑brushed surfaces hide tool marks.
Movement Mismatch
Wrong bridges/engravings; missing hacking on late serials or vice versa.
Bracelet Incoherency
Incorrect end links, clasp codes outside the window, excessive stretch.
Choose Your Speed
1655 Authentication Packages
All packages include unique Certificate ID + QR, email support and annotated observations specific to your 1655.
Questions
Rolex Explorer II 1655 — FAQ
Key answers before you buy, sell or list a 1655.
Can you authenticate without opening the caseback?
Yes — we issue a preliminary certificate from photos. Movement shots (bridges/rotor) increase reliability and detail.
Is a repainted orange hand acceptable?
It must be disclosed; originality commands a premium. We assess paint, lume and profile to determine status and value impact.
Do you check bezel correctness?
Yes — we compare 24‑hour font, spacing and brushing to period baselines and your serial window.
How fast can I get the certificate?
24h standard; 6h/2h options appear when capacity allows.
Are service parts fatal?
No — but they affect value. We flag hands, dial, bezel, crystal, crowns and bracelets clearly so you can price accordingly.
Do you cover other references?
Yes — including 16550/16570, GMT‑Master 1675/16750, Submariner 1680/5513 and many others.
Ready to Verify Your Explorer II 1655?
Attach a trusted, verifiable document to your negotiation. It pays for itself in time saved and stronger outcomes.