Posts Tagged ‘Explorer II’
Mk2 ‘Freccione’ 1655 Rolex Explorer II
The 1655 isn’t just where the Explorer II began, it’s one of the strangest anachronisms in the Rolex back catalogue. By comparison to a GMT or Sub, it takes a very specific kind of collector: one that appreciates the start of a story to exclusion of all things. We usually think of the Explorer II…
Read More‘Chicchi di Mais’ 16570 Rolex Explorer II
If a watch-curious alien were to come down to Earth, you’d have a very hard time explaining why vintage watches are more appealing than their modern counterparts. Generally speaking, things get objectively better over time. That is, with one exception: tritium. The warm glow of a well aged 3H (tritium is in fact hydrogen-3, why…
Read MoreSAS 216570 Rolex Explorer II
It’s really not often that the rear of a watch without a display back is more captivating than dial-side. It’s all a bit Kim K if you know what I mean. But that’s about all this Explorer II shares in common with the Kardashians, because otherwise this one of the hardest modern tool watches out…
Read MoreCream Dial 16550 Rolex Explorer II
The Daytona has Paul Newman. The GMT-Master has Marlon Brando and Fidel Castro. The Explorer II though? It’s never really had a unilateral poster-personality to align with. Except that’s not quite accurate, because unbeknownst to many, a cream dial 16550 has been worn for decades by one Gordon Ramsey. If you don’t see the appeal,…
Read MoreTiffany-Signed ‘Chicchi di Mais’ 16550 Rolex Explorer II
Some watches require very little explanation; their appeal is inherent. FPJ’s resonance is intriguing on the dial side and downright bewitching once flipped over. VC’s skeletonized perpetual calendars will not let your eye rest. Watching a Lange rattrapante split seconds with complete equanimity is mesmerizing. Others take a bit more background. If you’ve been into…
Read MoreValue Prop: 16550 Rolex Explorer II Black Dial
If you adhere to the modern aphorism which states that condition is the new rarity, you’ll understand my total excitement here. Perfection in vintage watches really doesn’t exist. Therefore, what I like personally are honest examples with integrity and cohesive character. More than that, however, I have weak spot for value. And in Rolex sports…
Read MoreTiffany-Signed 16550 Rolex Explorer II Cream Dial
Some watches require very little explanation; their appeal is inherent. FPJ’s resonance is intriguing on the dial side and downright bewitching once flipped over. VC’s skeletonized perpetual calendars will not let your eye rest. Watching a Lange rattrapante split seconds with complete equanimity is mesmerizing. Others take a bit more background. If you’ve been into…
Read MoreWell-Preserved Black 16570 Rolex Explorer II
There are many trends that need to die in vintage watches. Socially-driven hypebeasting, frankenwatching, thoughtless dial refinishing, and default factory service case polishing to name a few. However, my day-to-day life touches on one unfortunate trend more frequently than most: what I call hyper-niche collecting. Let me explain; there are people who will not purchase…
Read MoreNo Reserve eBay Find: 216570 ‘Floating-Hand’ Explorer II
I have said for some time that I aim to feature rare, interesting, or undervalued watches here. This beautiful 216570 definitively falls into the latter category. I don’t tend to feature a huge amount of modern Rolex here, they tend to sell themselves. I also shy away from all the AD . . .stuff. Nonetheless,…
Read MoreTiffany-Signed Albino 1655 Explorer II
It is hard to overstate the appeal of Rolex’s first Explorer II. After the 1016’s monumental success, Rolex sought to expand the model range and capitalize on Hillary’s success. While intended to be an adventurer’s companion (and designed for cave and polar exploration), the 1655 became more of a go-to reference for the burgeoning jet…
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