The Rolex Explorer II was first introduced in 1971 by the way of the ref. 1655. Providing a completely refreshed configuration with the absence of the traditional 3-6-9 dial configuration and furthermore featuring a 39mm diameter Oyster case, it was also equipped with a 24-hour bezel and a large orange 24-hour hand - which gave it its Italian nickname “Freccione”, meaning "big arrow". Designed for explorers and professionals alike, it specifically winks to speleologists as the large orange luminous hand is intended to be visible also in the low light conditions of a cave, and it allows to track the day/night cycle in case of prolonged underground expeditions.

With its production spanning to the mid-1980s, the ref. 1655 was released with a total of 5 different versions during its production period. The earliest examples of the reference known as the Mark I, such as the present watch, featured a distinctive straight center seconds hand, without the luminous dot found in later marks. Fully retaining this characteristic, and offered in extremely attractive condition of both case and dial, the present timepiece delights in its complete nature. It is accompanied by the original guarantee, as well as its original invoice from Mappin & Webb detailing purchase of the present watch with bracelet on January 14, 1975 for the amount of 153GBP.