Hello!

Kaneko from Commit Ginza is proud to present an attractive wristwatch!
Today, we have a rare model of the vintage Explorer II.

Rolex Explorer II MK3MK2 Albino
Ref.1655 Serial.40 series (manufactured around 1975)
Cal.1570 FF380/7836
Accessories: International Service Guarantee (April 2011 stamp)
SOLD OUT!!
It is back in stock! If you have been looking for one, please consider it.

 

The first-generation Explorer II “Ref.1655,” manufactured from around 1971 to 1983.

Ref.1655 is a model that fully exudes a vintage atmosphere,
with an attractive retro bezel and a large orange 24-hour hand!!
It is a highly popular vintage model that we receive many inquiries about at our store. 

This piece was manufactured around 1975.
It is no exaggeration to say that the dial is the most rare among Ref.1655 models,
the “MK3 dial.”

The MK3 dial was manufactured until approximately 1974–1978,
but it is a rare dial that is overwhelmingly scarce on the market. 

The characteristic of the MK3 dial is the center-split lettering!!

Pay attention to the chronometer lettering!

If you look closely, the space between the top “SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER”
and the bottom “OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED” letters is aligned vertically.

This is the chronometer lettering unique to the Stern-made dial,
also seen on Ref.1665 and Ref.16550. 

The dial condition has some slight scratches and scuffs visible under a loupe,
but it maintains a beautiful overall condition.

The luminous material on the indices is in excellent condition with no missing parts. 

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

The bezel is equipped with a period-correct MK2 bezel.

Important point!
The bezel condition is not rounded,
and it is a very impressive MK2 bezel! 

Introducing another rare point!!

Due to aging, the 24-hour hand of this piece has faded from orange to lemon yellow,
making it a special model commonly known as the “Albino.”

Albino is mainly seen on MK2 dials,
but it also exists on MK1 and MK3 dials.

This 24-hour hand is a rare point that is surprisingly difficult to find even when searching.

We compared it with our store's MK2 dial 1655 (right).

The MK2 has the orange 24-hour hand unique to Ref.1655,
but the Albino has beautifully faded color and exudes a unique aura. 

The overall condition has age-appropriate wear marks,
but it is in excellent condition for a piece manufactured around 1975!! 

Of course, it has been polished, but it is a middle case with a very good impression. 

While many pieces tend to be rounded,
this kind of lug shape with sharp edges is attractive!! 

The case sides are also not rounded and feel great!

The bracelet is a 7836 jubilee bracelet with consistent parts.

Although jubilee bracelets tend to stretch easily, this piece is relatively solid. 

How about it??
Overall, the parts are consistent, and it is a highly recommended piece with a great look!! 

Finally, a list shot!!
A well-balanced MK3/Albino. It is irresistible.
It is cool!! 

First-generation Explorer II “Ref.1655/Albino”
The combination of the hard-to-find MK3 dial and the Albino/24-hour hand is attractive,
and it is a highly recommended vintage Explorer II with excellent overall condition!!
Ref.1655, which has consistent parts and also possesses rare points,
is very difficult to come across even when you look for it!!
For customers looking for a rare model of Ref.1655,please consider it.

監修者のプロフィール

金子剛の写真

金子 剛(かねこ ごう)

高級腕時計専門店 コミット銀座 エグゼクティブアドバイザー / 鑑定士歴:2005年~現在

44歳 埼玉県出身

大学卒業後に某ブランド買取・販売店に就職。各種ブランド品を幅広く見ている中で、高級腕時計の虜に。とりわけ、ヴィンテージロレックスの奥深さに感銘を受ける。
その後、業界で名の挙がっていた阿部氏に憧れを抱き、コミット銀座に転職。毎日欠かさずに、国内市場の動向をチェックし、主要な海外オークションに関しては直接足を運ぶなど、多くの時計を見ることで経験を積み、業界屈指のヴィンテージロレックスの知識を有する。

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