Lot 271

Rolex

Steve McQueen

A rare vintage wristwatch with date and 24h bezel - so called "Steve McQueen" or "Orange Hand"

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The Rolex Explorer II, reference 1655 was launched in 1971. In contrast to the Explorer I, ref. 1016, reference 1655 is fitted with an additional orange-coloured hand and a 24 hour indication on the bezel.
English-speaking collectors call this reference "Steve McQueen", although there is not a single photograph of Steve McQueen wearing an Explorer II; he owned several Submariner models and usually wore the Submariner ref. 5512. Italian collectors, however, call the Explorer II "Freccione". The name comes from the Italian "la freccia", which means "arrow". Freccione stands for a larger version and means the central arrow-shaped orange-coloured 24-hour hand.
This timepiece is in altogether original condition, meaning it is a truly precious item, as pieces in such original condition hardly ever appear on the market. The luminous material of the indexes and hands has acquired a marvelous cream-coloured hue, the 24-hour hand has taken on a vibrant light orange colour. Case and bezel show honest signs of wear.