Explorer II 1655 "Freccione" - Tiffany & Co. Dial - Watch Only (ca. 1978)

Rolex Explorer II 1655 "Freccione" - Tiffany & Co. Dial - Watch Only (ca. 1978)

An extremely rare Rolex Explorer II reference 1655 with a coveted "Tiffany & Co." signed dial, the most heavily faked of all double-signed Rolex dials and therefore the one where matching components matter most. This example is all matching: dial MK4, bezel Mk3, clasp code - the authentication trifecta collectors look for on a 1655.

Details:

• Reference: 1655
• Year: ca. 1978
• Case Size: 40mm, Stainless Steel (Oyster case)
• Bezel: Fixed stainless steel 24-hour bezel, engraved markings (Mk3 variant)
• Dial: Matte black "Mk4" with cream-aged tritium plots, applied Rolex coronet, "Oyster Perpetual Date Explorer II" and "Tiffany & Co. Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" printing, T SWISS < 25 T serif marking at 6 o'clock
• Hands: White baton hour and minute, central seconds, signature orange straight "Freccione" 24-hour arrow
• Movement: Rolex Caliber 1575, automatic, 48-hour power reserve
• Crystal: Acrylic (plexiglass)
• Bracelet: Rolex 78360 Oyster, stainless steel, folding Oysterclasp with matching code
• Water Resistance: 100 meters

Set Includes:

• Watch only - no original box or papers

Condition:

• Good overall condition with honest signs of use, consistent with a roughly 47-year-old reference
• Sharp case retaining its original lines
• Beautiful even tritium patina across all dial markers, 24-hour triangle and hour/minute hands - creamy aged tone consistent throughout
• Matte black Mk4 dial clean, with all original printing crisp including the Tiffany & Co. signature
• Fixed steel 24-hour bezel intact with light wear consistent with age
• Acrylic crystal showing the expected light surface marks of period plexi
• Oyster bracelet with all matching code on the clasp
• Movement running, all functions operating

The reference 1655 was Rolex's tool watch for the Speleological Society and the original "adventure GMT," in production from 1971 to 1984; the combination of a late Mk4 dial, all-matching components, and the Tiffany & Co. retailer signature places this piece among the rarer and more sought-after configurations of the entire 1655 production run.