1978 Rolex 1655 MK4 “Steve McQueen” Explorer II

Description: Specificity and design intent taken to an extreme.

Speleogenetictists, scientists of cave morphology. Spelunking, cave diving. Spelling, not always easy.

Nicknamed the ‘Disco Dial’, critics considered the watch face too busy. But the ‘Steve McQueen’ wasn’t designed for critical acclaim, it was made for cave exploration – for lightless, rock pressed, potentially karst conditions. The 1655’s fixed steel bezel, exaggerated orange GMT arrow, square lume markers alternating between the rehaut and near-outer rim, and stark monochromatization are safety precautions; for scientists navigating tight and dark geolabyrinths, to lose your time meant finding death.

Geolibrarians vintage timepiece of choice…because there isn’t another. The 1655, a special and commercially available offering from the toolmasters at Rolex – a truly unique techorological contribution.

This Mk IV dial, Mk IV bezel 1655 Explorer II is in excellent condition, whose case appears unpolished with lug ends retaining production chamfered edges, the matte dial is unblemished whose lume has adopted softly oranging hues.

Case: 40mm unpolished steel, lug ends retain fine chamfered edges

Bezel: Mk IV, fixed steel

Dial: Mk IV, GMT hand remains bright orange, pumpkinated tritium lume

Bracelet: Oyster bracelet, great condition