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Lot Essay
The present wristwatch is an extremely rare example of Rolex Explorer II timepiece with the Bucherer signature on the dial. As a matter of fact, in depth research shows that the market has never seen another such model signed by the Swiss retailer.
The very good overall condition of the present ref. 1655 is demonstrated by the full body of its case and the sharp angles to the facets of the lugs, showing that it has never been subject to careless polishing. It features a MKIII bezel and MKII dial, recognizable by the not-so-well-defined spikes of the crown.
Designed primarily for speleologists (cave explorers) the model is fitted with a fixed bezel with 24 hour display and a special 24 hour hand that can be set to distinguish day from night hours or to read the current time in different time zones. Reference 1655 is frequently referred to as the "Steve McQueen" or "Freccione", Italian for "big arrow" amongst collectors.
The firm C. Bucherer, one of Switzerland's most prestigious retailer and manufacturer of luxury watches, was founded in Lucerne in 1888.
The very good overall condition of the present ref. 1655 is demonstrated by the full body of its case and the sharp angles to the facets of the lugs, showing that it has never been subject to careless polishing. It features a MKIII bezel and MKII dial, recognizable by the not-so-well-defined spikes of the crown.
Designed primarily for speleologists (cave explorers) the model is fitted with a fixed bezel with 24 hour display and a special 24 hour hand that can be set to distinguish day from night hours or to read the current time in different time zones. Reference 1655 is frequently referred to as the "Steve McQueen" or "Freccione", Italian for "big arrow" amongst collectors.
The firm C. Bucherer, one of Switzerland's most prestigious retailer and manufacturer of luxury watches, was founded in Lucerne in 1888.