Lot 79
Rolex. An unusual stainless steel automatic wristwatch with 24hr hand
Oyster Perpetual Date, Explorer II 'Albino' Ref.1655, Case No.8270397, sold in 1984
Auction: London Watches | Lots 18 - 124 | Thurs 19 November 2026 from 2pm
Description
Cal.1570 self-winding 26 jewel movement (No.D608677) adjusted to 5 positions and temperature, matt black dial with tritium block indexes, white minute markers, white/tritium baton hands, centre seconds, additional triangular 24hr hand, date aperture under magnifying lens, stainless steel Oyster case with screw-down crown and reverse, case back engraved ‘BRYAN 25.4.50, 1.1.85’, bezel calibrated to 24hrs, on fitted stainless steel Rolex Oyster Ref.78360 bracelet with 580 endlinks, folding, locking, clasp stamped 93150 and S V4.
Accompanied by a Rolex presentation box within card outer labelled 1655/0/B, original punch numbered Rolex warranty dated 25.12.84, Rolex 1984/85 calendar card and 2015 Rolex service warranty card within green Rolex wallet numbered 8270397.
Dimensions
Diameter 39mm. Approx. bracelet size 186mm.
Footnote
On certain examples of Explorer II, the orange triangular 24hr hand fades to white, earning the moniker ‘Albino’. Vintage Rolex sports models were generally produced in numbers respective to the demand of their intended purpose. The Explorer II model was designed specifically for spelunking (cave exploring) so that, without access to sunlight, day/night could be tracked via the 24hr hand. Considering the rarity of the sport as a hobby, it is one of the more unusual vintage sports models available.
