Rolex Explorer II 1655 "Steve McQueen" Vintage Luxury Watch Review

Watchuwant is now WatchBox! Subscribe for the best luxury watch content. The first Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II hit the U.S. market in 1971. This one was built in 1972. Between those two events, one was purchased by a rather prominent owner; American actor and race car driver Steve McQueen. Although McQueen is associated with the Heuer brand on-screen, off-screen, he chose to buy and wear Rolex. Early (1971-1975) Rolex Explorer II models are known as "Steve McQueen" models among collectors, and superb examples such as this one are particularly coveted. This Rolex Explorer II features the famous "orange arrow" 24-hour hand that featured during a brief production life of 1971-1975. Explorer II survivors with this feature are notably collectible and much-sought. Having received recent Rolex factory service and authentication, this "Steve" packs a pedigree to match its rugged good looks. Rolex developed the Explorer II as a next-generation professional tool watch in the tradition of its GMT, Milgauss, Submariner, and Sea-Dweller references. Due to the challenge of determining day/night state while in extreme polar and subterranean environments, Rolex issued the Explorer II as a professional timepiece for a new generation of Energy Crisis-era prospectors. Thanks to the 24-hour hand, it is possible to distinguish between 8:00 and 16:00 at a glance. This 1972 "Orange Arrow" Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II is a rarity in and of itself, but a complete factory set and fu