#1517 Rare! MK3 dial now in stock! Introducing the Vintage Explorer II 1655 Albino All Tritium!

Hello!

This is Kaneko from Commit Ginza, here to introduce a captivating timepiece! Today, I would like to showcase a rare model of the vintage Explorer II.

Rolex Explorer II MK3/MK2 "Albino"
Ref.1655 Serial: 4.0 million range (manufactured around 1975)
Cal.1570 FF380/7836
Included: International Service Guarantee (dated April 2011)
Store price: 5,698,000 JPY (tax included)
It has just arrived back in stock! If you have been looking for one, please consider this piece.

The first-generation Explorer II "Ref. 1655," manufactured from approximately 1971 to 1983.

The Ref. 1655 is a model that exudes a wonderful vintage atmosphere with its retro bezel and large orange 24-hour hand!! It is a highly popular vintage model that we receive many inquiries about here at our shop. 

The specimen introduced today was manufactured around 1975. The dial is the "MK3 dial," which it is no exaggeration to say is the rarest of all the Ref. 1655 dials.

While MK3 dials were produced roughly between 1974 and 1978, they are incredibly rare on the market. 

A characteristic feature of the MK3 dial is, of course, the center-split text!!

Take a look at the chronometer text!

If you look closely, the space between the top line "SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER" and the bottom line "OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED" is aligned vertically.

This is a type of chronometer notation specific to Stern-made dials, which can also be seen on the Ref. 1665 and Ref. 16550. 

The dial condition is very clean overall, with only minor scuffs visible under a loupe.

The luminous material on the indices is in fantastic condition with no visible loss. 

The hands show some signs of aging, but the luminous condition is good!! 

The watch is equipped with the age-appropriate MK2 bezel.

An important point! The bezel condition is excellent, showing no signs of rounding, which gives a very good impression for an MK2 bezel! 

Let me introduce one more rare point!!

This specific piece is a special model known as an "Albino," where the 24-hour hand has faded from orange to lemon yellow over time.

While "Albino" models are mainly found with MK2 dials, they also exist with MK1 and MK3 dials.

This particular 24-hour hand is a rare find that is surprisingly difficult to come across even when searching for it. 

I took a comparison shot with the MK2-dial Ref. 1655 (right) from our shop.

The MK2 has the standard orange 24-hour hand specific to the Ref. 1655, but the "Albino" has clearly faded, giving off a unique aura. 

While there are signs of use consistent with its age, it remains in great condition for a watch manufactured around 1975!! 

While it has certainly been polished in the past, the middle case retains a very impressive shape. 

In a market where many specimens have become rounded over time, these sharply defined lug edges are truly attractive!! 

The sides of the case also retain their shape well without signs of over-polishing! 

The bracelet is the correct, matching 7836 folded-link bracelet.

Folded bracelets often suffer from slack, but this one is relatively firm. 

What do you think?? All in all, the parts are consistent, and it’s a highly recommended watch with a great "face"!! 

Lastly, a wrist shot!!
The well-preserved MK3/Albino look is quite alluring. It’s cool!! 

The first-generation Explorer II "Ref. 1655/Albino."
With the combination of the hard-to-find MK3 dial and the Albino 24-hour hand, this is a highly recommended vintage Explorer II in excellent overall condition!! It is very difficult to find a Ref. 1655 that is this consistent in its parts and features these rare elements all in one package!!
For those of you looking for a rare Ref. 1655 model, please do consider this one.