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btmclemore · 2 November 2016, 03:19 AM

Another step taken towards restoring my 1972 McQueen 1655 Explorer II (serial #2,914,***). This watch was given to me by my dad, who won it in a poker game in 1975 for the equivalent of $25.00.

I just removed the 258 end links, and I added the 580 end links to the 7836 bracelet.

The remaining issues that need to be addressed...

1. The watch dial suffered from water damage (my dad was a fisherman). It is a poorly refinished Mark IV or Mark V. There are some alignment issues with the text on the dial. I would like to replace the dial with a Mark I.

2. The orange hand is no longer on the watch (leaving a skeleton metal frame). I'd like to replace the orange hand.

However, I'm super stoked from the progress.

Another small step, but small victories rule!

Picture #1 is the original condition in which I received it.
Picture #2 is the picture after replacing the band with a 7836 bracelet
Picture #3 After Servicing
Picture #4 With the 580 endlinks added
Picture #5 With the 580 endlinks added

MonBK · 2 November 2016, 03:34 AM

A nice project but why do you call it a Steve McQueen Explorer?

1675-David · 2 November 2016, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonBK

A nice project but why do you call it a Steve McQueen Explorer?

btmclemore · 2 November 2016, 04:06 AM

Just trying to cover all the bases on a search.

Frogman4me · 2 November 2016, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonBK

A nice project but why do you call it a Steve McQueen Explorer?

The biggest misconception on the internet

This is a Freccione!

springer · 2 November 2016, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frogman4me

The biggest misconception on the internet

This is a Freccione!

And Freccione means............the big hand - in Italian.

jdmi32 · 2 November 2016, 03:41 AM

Love the history of your watch. That MK1 bezel looks to be in very good shape. A loose MK1 dial will, IMO, be next to impossible to find in good condition. If you are willing to consider a genuine though not period correct dial, they can still be found but it will take a bit of patience. And instead of replacing the orange hand, have you considered having all the hands redone by a quality watchmaker like LAWW?

Looking forward to how this turns out.

btmclemore · 2 November 2016, 09:43 AM

Numerous online resources reference "Steve McQueen". I realize it doesn't mean that Rolex named the watch Steve McQueen, but once again, I'm just trying to cover my bases on all search options.

Vincent65 · 2 November 2016, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by btmclemore

Numerous online resources reference "Steve McQueen". I realize it doesn't mean that Rolex named the watch Steve McQueen, but once again, I'm just trying to cover my bases on all search options.

Don't worry about it. A lot of folks seemingly get really bent out of shape about the continued use of this misnomer, but a lot more still know which model it pertains to, and it really doesn't matter.

It could be called the 'Raymond Luxury-Yacht' (but pronounced "Throatwabbler Mangrove" of course https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzK4kEkLzfs.) Apparently it's OK to use pathetic names like Batman and Kermit, and there's no photographic or empirical evidence that they respectively wore a BLNR GMT or LV SUB, either!

subx · 2 November 2016, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincent65

Don't worry about it. A lot of folks seemingly get really bent out of shape about the continued use of this misnomer, but a lot more still know which model it pertains to, and it really doesn't matter.

It could be called the 'Raymond Luxury-Yacht' (but pronounced "Throatwabbler Mangrove" of course https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzK4kEkLzfs.) Apparently it's OK to use pathetic names like Batman and Kermit, and there's no photographic or empirical evidence that they respectively wore a BLNR GMT or LV SUB, either!

so true :)

BawlaDK · 2 November 2016, 08:27 PM

I wouldnt do a whole lot to that watch really. Service dial and hands (Sourcing period correct ones would take a LOT of time and even more $$$$) and keep the original dial and hands in a safe. A full service and that would be it. KILLER watch with great history. I hope you wear it in good health...

Mick P · 2 November 2016, 10:59 PM

Chaps

I have a 1655 and always refer to it as a Freccione but you have to accept that even dealers use the term Steve McQueen, so it is really no big deal.

The best known clock in the world is often called Big Ben but there is no Ben in its history, so it's not as if it's a once off.

Regards

Mick

Vincent65 · 2 November 2016, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mick P

Chaps

I have a 1655 and always refer to it as a Freccione but you have to accept that even dealers use the term Steve McQueen, so it is really no big deal.

The best known clock in the world is often called Big Ben but there is no Ben in its history, so it's not as if it's a once off.

Regards

Mick

And 'Big Ben' refers to the largest bell within, anyway, not the clock, or tower.

MonBK · 2 November 2016, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincent65

And 'Big Ben' refers to the largest bell within, anyway, not the clock, or tower.

Not correct.

Vincent65 · 2 November 2016, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonBK

Not correct.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Ben

"The Great Bell"

Maybe you'd like to re-write the entry in Wikipedia...

Black Bay Dan · 3 November 2016, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincent65

And 'Big Ben' refers to the largest bell within, anyway, not the clock, or tower.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonBK

Not correct.

Don't rely on Wikipedia to settle an argument - try the horse's mouth!

http://www.parliament.uk/about/livin...alace/big-ben/

Dan

MonBK · 2 November 2016, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mick P

Chaps

I have a 1655 and always refer to it as a Freccione but you have to accept that even dealers use the term Steve McQueen, so it is really no big deal.

The best known clock in the world is often called Big Ben but there is no Ben in its history, so it's not as if it's a once off.

Regards

Mick

There are at least two Ben's rumored in associaton with it whereas the Explorer has nothing whats so ever to do with Steve MqQueen.

"The bell was possibly named in honor of Sir Benjamin Hall, and his name is inscribed on it. However, another theory for the origin of the name is that the bell may have been named after a contemporary heavyweight boxer Benjamin Caunt"

brandrea · 2 November 2016, 11:22 PM

Looks like a beauty regardless of what you call it!

drifter01 · 2 November 2016, 11:41 PM

This thread took an odd trun somewhere. From Steve McQueen (never called Ben) to Big Ben (never called Steve McQueen). Couldn't have forseen this in a million years!

MonBK · 2 November 2016, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drifter01

This thread took an odd trun somewhere. From Steve McQueen (never called Ben) to Big Ben (never called Steve McQueen). Couldn't have forseen this in a million years!

We're here to inform.

Vincent65 · 2 November 2016, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonBK

We're here to inform.

"And 'Big Ben' refers to the largest bell within, anyway, not the clock, or tower."

So, are you going to 'inform' us all which part of my statement above is "not correct"?

MonBK · 2 November 2016, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincent65

"And 'Big Ben' refers to the largest bell within, anyway, not the clock, or tower."

So, are you going to 'inform' us all which part of my statement above is "not correct"?

Yes I will do that after you return from reading class.

Vincent65 · 2 November 2016, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonBK

Yes I will do that after you've return from reading class.

It's you that needs a reading class

Edit: And to learn a little humility, accept that YOU were mistaken while quick to jump to criticise someone else, and apologise accordingly.

218225 · 2 November 2016, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by btmclemore

Another step taken towards restoring my 1972 McQueen 1655 Explorer II (serial #2,914,***). This watch was given to me by my dad, who won it in a poker game in 1975 for the equivalent of $25.00.

SNIP

Another small step, but small victories rule!

Picture #1 is the original condition in which I received it.
Picture #2 is the picture after replacing the band with a 7836 bracelet
Picture #3 After Servicing
Picture #4 With the 580 endlinks added
Picture #5 With the 580 endlinks added

That is a really nice watch with a great history. I would not replace the dial and hands, just have them repaired, cleaned up or what is needed. The value isn't in a glowing dial it is it's history - including the water damage while your dad wore it.
BTW correct endlinks shoudl be the 280 or 380 for the oyster bracelet.

Vincent65 · 3 November 2016, 12:10 AM

Like I said - it refers to the Great Bell, which chimes (pun intended) with the wiki entry.

Black Bay Dan · 3 November 2016, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincent65

Like I said - it refers to the Great Bell, which chimes (pun intended) with the wiki entry.

Sorry meant to say that I agreed with you.

Dan

Vincent65 · 3 November 2016, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Air King Dan

Sorry meant to say that I agreed with you.

Dan

MattCH · 3 November 2016, 03:26 AM

Don't touch dial or hands. Still in good conditions.
Make a good service from a respected watch maker. That's all.
Enjoy it.

btmclemore · 3 November 2016, 05:55 AM

I don't care what you call it. Start a separate thread to discuss this topic.

cajuntiger · 4 November 2016, 03:37 PM

The watch has some serious problems...wrong dial, wrong hands, wrong bezel, should look like this.

2 November 2016, 11:41 PM	#19
drifter01 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Real Name: Dave Location: NC Watch: 5500 Air-King Posts: 633	This thread took an odd trun somewhere. From Steve McQueen (never called Ben) to Big Ben (never called Steve McQueen). Couldn't have forseen this in a million years! __________________ Dave Ace of Clubs "Never mind the track. The track is for punks. We are Road People. We are Cafe Racers." - Hunter S. Thompson

3 November 2016, 12:10 AM	#25
Vincent65 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Switzerland Posts: 14,298	Like I said - it refers to the Great Bell, which chimes (pun intended) with the wiki entry. __________________

3 November 2016, 03:26 AM	#28
MattCH "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: EU Watch: PP/ROLEX Posts: 165	Don't touch dial or hands. Still in good conditions. Make a good service from a respected watch maker. That's all. Enjoy it. __________________

4 November 2016, 03:37 PM	#30
cajuntiger 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Real Name: Who Dat Location: USA Watch: 5512 Posts: 1,149	The watch has some serious problems...wrong dial, wrong hands, wrong bezel, should look like this. Attached Images __________________ @heuerautavia

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2 November 2016, 03:19 AM	#1
btmclemore "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Tennessee Watch: Explorer II 1655 Posts: 59	Restoration Project - 1972 Steve McQueen Explorer II - REF 1655 Another step taken towards restoring my 1972 McQueen 1655 Explorer II (serial #2,914,***). This watch was given to me by my dad, who won it in a poker game in 1975 for the equivalent of $25.00. I just removed the 258 end links, and I added the 580 end links to the 7836 bracelet. The remaining issues that need to be addressed... 1. The watch dial suffered from water damage (my dad was a fisherman). It is a poorly refinished Mark IV or Mark V. There are some alignment issues with the text on the dial. I would like to replace the dial with a Mark I. 2. The orange hand is no longer on the watch (leaving a skeleton metal frame). I'd like to replace the orange hand. However, I'm super stoked from the progress. Another small step, but small victories rule! Picture #1 is the original condition in which I received it. Picture #2 is the picture after replacing the band with a 7836 bracelet Picture #3 After Servicing Picture #4 With the 580 endlinks added Picture #5 With the 580 endlinks added Attached Images

2 November 2016, 03:34 AM	#2
MonBK Banned Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Kingstown Posts: 58,279	A nice project but why do you call it a Steve McQueen Explorer?

2 November 2016, 04:06 AM	#4
btmclemore "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Tennessee Watch: Explorer II 1655 Posts: 59	Just trying to cover all the bases on a search.

2 November 2016, 03:41 AM	#7
jdmi32 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Real Name: Ky Location: Bay Area, CA Watch: 16570 Posts: 2,362	Love the history of your watch. That MK1 bezel looks to be in very good shape. A loose MK1 dial will, IMO, be next to impossible to find in good condition. If you are willing to consider a genuine though not period correct dial, they can still be found but it will take a bit of patience. And instead of replacing the orange hand, have you considered having all the hands redone by a quality watchmaker like LAWW? Looking forward to how this turns out.

2 November 2016, 09:43 AM	#8
btmclemore "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Tennessee Watch: Explorer II 1655 Posts: 59	Numerous online resources reference "Steve McQueen". I realize it doesn't mean that Rolex named the watch Steve McQueen, but once again, I'm just trying to cover my bases on all search options.

2 November 2016, 08:27 PM	#11
BawlaDK "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: Morten Location: Denmark Watch: 16800 Submariner Posts: 265	I wouldnt do a whole lot to that watch really. Service dial and hands (Sourcing period correct ones would take a LOT of time and even more $$$$) and keep the original dial and hands in a safe. A full service and that would be it. KILLER watch with great history. I hope you wear it in good health...

2 November 2016, 10:59 PM	#12
Mick P Banned Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: UK / Spain Watch: 39mm Explorer Posts: 1,990	Chaps I have a 1655 and always refer to it as a Freccione but you have to accept that even dealers use the term Steve McQueen, so it is really no big deal. The best known clock in the world is often called Big Ben but there is no Ben in its history, so it's not as if it's a once off. Regards Mick

2 November 2016, 11:22 PM	#18
brandrea 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Brian (TBone) Location: canada Watch: es make me smile Posts: 78,136	Looks like a beauty regardless of what you call it!

3 November 2016, 05:55 AM	#29
btmclemore "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Tennessee Watch: Explorer II 1655 Posts: 59	I don't care what you call it. Start a separate thread to discuss this topic.

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