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Today, we have a rare model of the vintage Explorer II.
Rolex Explorer II MK3/MK2 All Tritium
Ref.1655 Serial.5.3 million range (manufactured around 1977)
Cal.1570 FF580/78360 Clasp code VB
Accessories: Box (post-manufacture), Warranty (domestic authorized: stamped September 1978)
Store sales price: 6,160,000 yen (tax included)
The first generation Explorer II "Ref. 1655," manufactured from around 1971 to 1983.
Born for professionals such as cave explorers, it features a unique design that stands out from other sports Rolex models, equipped with a fixed 24-hour bezel and a large orange 24-hour hand.
The bezel, with its rugged and retro atmosphere, paired with the iconic orange hand that instantly identifies it as a Ref. 1655, is simply irresistible!!
Even more than 40 years after the end of its production, its distinctive design has not faded, and it remains a highly popular model that boasts deep-rooted popularity among vintage Rolex watches!!
The piece introduced here was manufactured around 1977.
The dial is the "MK3 Dial," which is arguably the rarest among the Ref. 1655 line.
The MK3 dial was produced approximately between 1974 and 1978, but it is an incredibly rare species with extremely low circulation numbers.
Personally, I love this dial for its unique, adorable crown logo and the cool serif lettering.
The defining feature of the MK3 dial is 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 both above and below.
This is the chronometer notation peculiar to dials made by Stern, which can also be seen in the Ref. 1665 and Ref. 16550.
Although there are very slight stains on the dial, the overall atmosphere is completely intact, and it maintains a beautiful condition throughout.
The aged luminous markers have a wonderful look with almost no signs of flaking.
The luminous material is all tritium.
The balance between the hands and the indices is perfect!
The bezel is an age-appropriate MK2 bezel.
Since it is a part that defines the look, the condition of the bezel is a very important point, but this piece is in crisp, wonderful condition!
The condition of the case and bracelet shows minor signs of use, but overall it is in great condition, maintaining a beautiful state!!
As you can see, the middle case is sharp and well-defined!
While many pieces tend to be rounded over time, such lug shapes with clearly defined edges are very attractive!!
The beautiful hairline finish is also lovely!
It is rare to come across an MK3 piece in such excellent condition.
The case side is also in relatively clean condition!!
The buckle clasp code is "VB"
※ There is a section on the buckle inner plate where numbers are stamped.
The age-appropriate hard bracelet is also in top condition with almost no noticeable slack!
Accessories include a box (post-manufacture), domestic authorized warranty (no name erasure), passport case, and price tag.
Having an MK3 piece come with its original domestic authorized warranty is definitely rare!!
Lastly, a wrist shot!!
The well-defined MK3/center-split. It’s alluring. It’s cool!!
First generation Explorer II "Ref. 1655/MK3 77" all tritium.
This is an excellent, recommended piece with wonderful overall condition!
A Ref. 1655/MK3 dial that comes with such a warranty is truly rare.
The sales price is also set at an attractive point!!
If you are a customer looking for a rare model of the Ref. 1655 that checks all the boxes,
please consider this one.
