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Forget Speedies for a bit, here's something great

adam78
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Pristine (though not unpolished) straight-hand, MKI dial 1655. Price not terribly out-of-line, considering it's from a dealer. I think, though I'm not positive from these photos, that it has a silver date wheel.

http://www.hqmilton.com/watches/1972-rolex-explorer-ii-1655-mark-i-dial4

rolex-explorerii-1655.marki-1972-hqmilton7929-01.jpg
 
Foo2rama
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The watch that made me fall in love with watches. Indirectly got me into Omegas, when I tried on the rerelease and hated it. Saw the Orange Bezel POC and was sold.
 
kurtj29
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I know this is going to be an unpopular comment, but to me, I can see why this was a slow seller. I am a former Explorer II 216570 Polar owner - which is a great watch, if not a little stark. $16K - wow, that is a lot of money. I would rather take that money and get a vintage Sub or GMT. Sorry...
 
M
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kurtj29 kurtj29
I know this is going to be an unpopular comment, but to me, I can see why this was a slow seller. I am a former Explorer II 216570 Polar owner - which is a great watch, if not a little stark. $16K - wow, that is a lot of money. I would rather take that money and get a vintage Sub or GMT. Sorry...

I agree, I don't feel the love for these. I'd still love to own one just to be able to flip it at the moment for a ridiculous profit.
 
calalum
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Not sure about the flipping idea. Here are two that I had but rarely wore them and didn't really make much when I sold them
Explorers.JPG
after a few years.
 
RawArcher
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I absolutely love these watches, but can someone comment o what is meant by silver date wheel? Googling an answer has been less than fruitful. Beyond the color....is it desirable and does it also mean open 6s and 9s but a closed 26? Apologies for the noob question....
 
adam78
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All the '70s cal. 1575 sports watches originally had silver date wheels...these really look silver/metallic in the right lighting or under a loupe. Many were changed to matte white date wheels during service, by 1980 or so and later. The silver date wheels are so much nicer aesthetically.

I think you can see what I mean with this photo of mine at high resolution.
 
image.jpeg
RawArcher
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Thanks Adam. The hi-res shot shows it perfectly! Thanks and can definitely see why it is coveted (in addition to it being original)!
 
ATWG
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Great looking watch, silver date wheels came along later than 3xxx serial for GMTs and Subs. That being said, it's no reason to disqualify a purchase BUT at this price I would expect a perfect watch.
 
watchknut
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Silver date wheels are great on the 70s sport models...all of mine have themy.

The 1655 was my first big flip, picked one up for $500 and sold for $4250 back in 1999 when one with b/ps brought under $7k.

I sent mine to be serviced and replaced the hands and had it polished 🤬

Glad I flipped it because I can trace eveRyan watch in my collection back to that one sale.
 
T<25
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I think the 1655 is a cool watch on wrist. You have to see it in person to appreciate it.
 
Drawarms
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T<25 T<25
I think the 1655 is a cool watch on wrist. You have to see it in person to appreciate it.

I 100% agree
 
barmy
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I'm really a GMT man myself. Often wondered why Rolex produced two different models with a second hour hand?
 
Foo2rama
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barmy barmy
I'm really a GMT man myself. Often wondered why Rolex produced two different models with a second hour hand?
Because they work differently and have different purposes.
 
Archer
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RawArcher RawArcher
I absolutely love these watches, but can someone comment o what is meant by silver date wheel? Googling an answer has been less than fruitful. Beyond the color....is it desirable and does it also mean open 6s and 9s but a closed 26? Apologies for the noob question....

Here is s good shot of mine from when I serviced my 1680 Red Sub - the date wheel isn't just silver, but has a very distinct grained appearance...



Cheers, Al
 
A
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1655 is a beauty in person. Fortunate enough to live in the Bay Area. HQ Milton is a great place to window ship
 
al128
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That is one of my grail watches ...

The un-rolex ...
 
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