![]() (Notably, the Crown even forges its own gold.) It wasn’t until the early 21st century that Rolex became the vertically integrated manufacturing behemoth that it is today, purchasing everything from movement manufacturers to bracelet companies. (Indeed, hand-wound Daytonas sold today at auction for eye-watering prices feature run-of-the-mill Valjoux movements that feature in watches from hundreds of other brands). Interestingly, for most of the firm’s history, Rolex largely did not produce its components in-house, including its movements. And the company continues to support scientific endeavors around the world. Despite its association since the 1970s more with luxury and status than with commando operations behind enemy lines or sporting achievements, Rolex still makes one of the most robust timepieces available on the contemporary market. Everest in 1953, Rolex watches have been associated with adventure for the better part of a century. Whether it’s a simple, time-only Air King, a function-first Submariner or a complicated GMT Master II for the jet set, a Rolex commands a certain respect on the wrist and says something about the discerning eye of its owner.įrom the swimming of the English channel in 1927 to the scaling of Mt. His efforts were clearly successful: Today, the word “Rolex” is nearly synonymous in the minds of millions around the word with “watch.”įrom the early waterproof Oyster case of the 1920s through to the ultra-complicated Sky Dweller of today, Rolex models and innovations have captivated a global audience and permeated the zeitgeist unlike those of any other brand. A veritable marketing genius, Wilsdorf understood the power of story, associating his watches with the most notable and intrepid athletes, explorers, soldiers and politicians of the 20th century. ![]() Though much younger than many of its heavy-hitting horological cousins, Rolex has been at the fore of contemporary watch design virtually since its inception in 1905 by founder Hans Wilsdorf. Authentic and correct examples such as this don't appear often - and this one remains in excellent condition throughout. This particular example dates to circa 1978-79 and features a 39mm stainless steel Oyster case with 'holey lugs', an excellent matte black Mark V 'albino' dial devoid of the all-too-common edge wear, a matching 'albino' handset, a correct Mark IV stainless steel 24hr bezel assembly, and a folded link Oyster bracelet with a signed blade clasp.Īs the Reference 1655 is one of the least understood vintage Rolex models, its right be wary of them - lots of examples have been 'Frankensteined', over-restored, poorly refinished, or worse. So it wears like a Submariner, works like a GMT-Master, and has a look all its own! Taking its movement architecture from a Reference 1675 GMT-Master, the 1655 features a fixed 24-hour bezel and an entirely unique dial and handset configuration with its iconic 'Orange Hand' second timezone indicator. Which is a shame really, because the 1655 is one of the absolute coolest - and least understood - model in Rolex's vintage catalog. But there is no evidence to suggest the King Of Cool ever had anything to do with the 1655. We know he wore a Submariner, and we also know of his fondness for Heuer (not just the Monaco) and Hanhart. ![]() Let's clear one thing up right from the start: To the best of anyone's knowledge, Steve McQueen neither owned or publicly wore this model Rolex Explorer!ĭue to an identification snafu in the early days of the internet, the Rolex Explorer Reference 1655 has been incorrectly associated with the actor, racer, and all-around legend for nearly two decades. ![]()
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