Rolex Explorer II (1655) - Help Needed!

[anthoniejordan]

Long story short, I'm a young watch collector who just hit the Rolex jackpot. My uncle gave me his vintage Rolex for my 30th birthday; which turned out to be the "Steve McQueen" Explorer II. He had no idea what he was passing down (neither did I) until I brought it in to a local Rolex expert. After learning the value and rarity of the watch, I felt obligated to offer the watch back to my uncle - lucky for me, he let me keep it.

Any general information or advice on restoration would be greatly appreciated. One concern I have is all the readings I've come across, say the Steve McQueen 1655 made its debut in 1971, this watch was produced in 1969 (serial number 277XXXX). Is this a good or bad thing?

Thank you in advance for the guidance!

AJS

[R.W.T.]

I assure you that 2,77x,xxx is 1971. But that puts it kind of right in the middle the very first year.

How about some photos?...and probably better that you not do anything to it except have the movement serviced at some point and replace the gaskets and water test unless the bracelet is falling apart etc. Did he keep any of the original paperwork or boxes, tags, etc. ? Does he have any service history? These are things that are nice to have and know about.

Lucky you!

[Mark020]

Post some pics. And don't let official Rolex dealers come close to it.

[Max72]

You are a very lucky man! And as Mark020 said, keep the RSC and AD away from it. If in need of servicing there's plenty of knowledgeable and expert watchmakers that you can be directed to from this forum. The Rolex guys would change and keep the original parts at their discretion grossly depreciating your watch.
Now, post some pictures please!!!!!


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[SkooterNB]

Pictures!!! And I echo what everyone has said already, no Rolex and no AD!

[ExplorerChris]

Very sweet heirloom indeed.
Post some pics and keep it as close to original as possible don't mess with perfection.

[anthoniejordan]

Thank you all for the quick responses - I'll be posting pictures tomorrow.

Along with the watch, my uncle gave me all the original papers and even the original purchase receipt. Right now the watch is 100% original, it's never been serviced or sent away to Rolex; great for originality but I'm sure the watch could use some internal work. After reading all your responses, aside from servicing the movement and seals, I won't do a thing (including polishing). The original bracelet is broken, but I have all the links and pieces. Do I get that fixed or do I add an authentic Rolex leather band and use the original clasp?

If there's any additional advice, I welcome it! If not, I will post some picture as soon as possible.

[Rickster]

Wow congrats

[ExplorerChris]

Looking forward to the pics.
If it were mine I'd get the bracelet fixed.
All original is a very cool thing.

[anthoniejordan]

Here she is.

The condition looks worse in the picture than in real life.

The hands have all faded, but like I mentioned, the watch is 100% original and has never been serviced or sent away.

[Lgear080]

Very very nice. Frankly I'd suggest you source a nice box if he didn't keep that
And put it away. Find yourself a watch which fits your wants today.

Wear your uncles watch later in life.

Definitely don't sell it.

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by Lgear080

Definitely don't sell it.

Or . . . only to me

Congrats

HAGOne

[donaker]

What a beauty. Congrats!

A movement service by one of the recommended watch techs mentioned in this forum would be wise. I sent mine (which was in way worse condition) to Bob Ridley, but I've heard great things about Rikki and ABC as well.

Micheal Young seems to be the go-to guy for bracelet repair.

That and a bit of polywatch should have it looking perfect.

[watchcrank]

ABC could polish the case and it would look new. A good service by any of the above recommendations and I'd wear it as much as comfortable. That's what they were made for. m

[anthoniejordan]

What is a watch like this worth? And am I going to have trouble insuring it through the same company that I insure my newer watches? If so, are there any recommendations for a company that insures vintage watchs?

Sorry for all the questions, this is the first vintage watch I've ever owned.

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by anthoniejordan

What is a watch like this worth? And am I going to have trouble insuring it through the same company that I insure my newer watches? If so, are there any recommendations for a company that insures vintage watchs?

Sorry for all the questions, this is the first vintage watch I've ever owned.

We'll I thought you where doing at least some research here on TRF

You know it is a 71 1655

Not hard to find a price

What is it with worth . . . ?

For some peanuts and for other people the end of the world . . .

But it was a really nice gift !

Listen to what people are telling you here on TRF

STAY AWAY FROM ANY ROLEX AD OR RSC !

They will ruin the watch for you

They are going to change the hands and dial . . . . be warned !

Read . . . read . . . and ASK before you take any decision . . . .

Originally Posted by Mark020

And don't let official Rolex dealers come close to it.

HAGWe

[Vincent65]

nice one, congrats!

[pdoukas]

Freaking jackpot indeed. Please do not entertain any of the offers you are probably receiving in private. As others have said, ABC/Rikki/Bob Ridley can service your watch with special considerations to vintage pieces. Michael Young for the bracelet. Service it and wear it, as it was meant to be worn. Be careful though, it is valuable!


Sent from my mobile device. Please excuse spelling, punctuation, and brevity.

[Mark020]

1971 should have a straight seconds hand isn't it?

[anthoniejordan]

Originally Posted by Mark020

1971 should have a straight seconds hand isn't it?

That's what I've been reading everywhere - which is the source of a lot of confusion. Like I stated before, it's never been serviced or sent away, and it's the earliest (lowest serial number) 1655 I can find any where on the internet - so why doesn't it have a straight second hand?

[bearone2]

Originally Posted by Mark020

1971 should have a straight seconds hand isn't it?

yes it should have the straight hand like this one i've had for 40+ years.
it was purchased used in '73-74, so no box/papers & i wore it until nov '83 when it was replaced by the rootbeer gmt master.

does the back have to come off to find the s/n?
thanks

[gerard88t]

Wow! Such a lucky guy!

[SkooterNB]

Originally Posted by bearone2

yes it should have the straight hand like this one i've had for 40+ years.
it was purchased used in '73-74, so no box/papers & i wore it until nov '83 when it was replaced by the rootbeer gmt master.

does the back have to come off to find the s/n?
thanks

Serial is in between the lugs at six o'clock. You need to remove the bracelet.

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[Rebel]

I am so happy for you. You have a great uncle. Very nice.

[adam78]

By the way, you might want to explore independent options in the Canada to service the watch. Sending a Rolex (even vintage) to and from USA can be particularly troublesome (the options noted in the thread are in the USA). Michael Young (for the bracelet) is in Hong Kong.

[Lgear080]

In a safety deposit box it need not be insured.

If you wear it I'd get a good appraisal for replacement value.

[RC2]

Check sales forum here. Most of those watches are in the 13-15k range


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[strafer_kid]

That is one terrific gift! As the guys have already stated, take real care of it! It will probably need serviced at some point in the near future if it has not had one for a while. Trick is to get one of the trusted specialist guys to do it so it retains originality, rather than an RSC, although that said, they too will make it looks pretty good, albeit with replacement parts. In any event, congrats and enjoy!

[RolexExplor]

what was the deal with these.? did rolex change things when they were sent out for service

[watchcrank]

If you sent the watch to Rolex RSC or even if an in house or independent serviced the watch and the hand was not perfect or glowing they could have changed the hands. M