Rolex Explorer 1655 - The Most Fascinating Rolex Ever Made

A brief discussion surrounding the legendary Rolex Explorer II 1655, looking at its History, Design for Purpose and Legacy. A modern redesign is included at the end of the video.

[deleted_youtube_handle]

You have the best watch channel on YouTube, and I especially enjoy your design interpretations/concepts.
I've never really appreciated the Explorer II until your video. Thank you.

[alexanderdylanthomas]

I can personally attest to the usefulness of the GMT function. I spent nine months working as a field training officer for the Australian Antarctic Division, and the long dark Antarctic winter actually necessitated the use of this complication. I must admit that I am referring to the use of the Steinhart Ocean Vintage GMT 39, as opposed to the original 1655. Some of the design changes to this watch, such as the elimination of the cyclops, actually adds to its’ legibility over the original in my opinion. Thank you again for your fantastic work!

[blueshirtbuddah]

What an awesome video on a very iconic but overlooked Rolex. As a brand new owner of a 216570 Explorer 2 Polar, I do beg to differ with you on the modern interpretation. While not closely following the original, I find the the modern version infinitely easier to read especially with the Polar's black outlined hands and indices on the stark white dial. Regardless, cheers and thanks for another great video.

[hrabanus]

Thanks for discussing the design in depth. No one else does it as meticulously as you!

[WreckedRectum]

Rolex should hire you as a design advisor. Your version makes more sense in many ways and looks great.

[elsieallwright]

My absolute favorite Rolex! As you say, a piece of contemporary art with the 1655 standing above the rest. Great video. Thank you

[tersono]

Your analysis really demonstrates how the 1655's design was more coherent than the contemporary version, I especially notice how much better the original typeface and hands integrated with the whole vs. the new ones where they compete for attention.

[hawrologista]

For me, the best-looking Rolex ever made.

[victorl]

Your final iteration is perfection, you nailed it!

[Teymurphell]

Rolex need to see this and update the next reference to your design, no doubt.

[Gotrovr]

You are brilliant in your passion and thank you

[jamespool]

Outstanding video, as always - and a proper grail piece for me too! Must try and find the second part of your video....

[jacolen]

I was sent here on Teddy B's recommendation. I own a 16570 polar. I love the design that you have created for that watch. That would make this thing stand out and separate itself from the regular GMT design/appearance that has been around for so long. Great video!

[vaughanatkinson]

Love or hate Rolex, there is always one model that does appeal to everyone! And your take on this was very refreshing, especially keeping in mind that some are tools with a use in mind and not just jewellery! Great presentation, with well balanced insight on the pros and cons!

[oysterman]

Growing up reading National Geographic magazines, I remember seeing the volcanologist advertisement of the E2. The image of bright orange lava spewing from the blackened ash of the volcano was reflected in the big orange hand on the watch floating above an ash black dial. It was poetry in motion. I was fascinated to read from the Rolex ads that there were crazy scientists willing to confront the dangers of the molten lava, just a few metres away from death. It was exciting, dangerous, adventurous and exotic to me as a child. Aside the watch looking like it was designed for the job it looked as cool as Steve McQueen. And that's my reasoning why it was coined the name of the actor who never wore it. I remember aspiring to own an E2 and a Two tone Datejust, from seeing the CEO of Rolls Royce feature in another ad. I wanted to be a captain of industry in my day job and a volcanologist on the weekend!
The E2 is the most under rated Rolex sports watch. Agree the 1st gen E2 was an icon. However the modern E2s as a whole are under appreciated by collectors and hence the best value for money compared to the Sub & GMT. For the everyday person I believe the E2 is the most practical and functional out of the Rolex sports. Its form follows function and its not over engineered. Its purposeful design make it useful as a beater and the relatively reasonable price point doesn't inhibit not wearing it as a tool watch for which it was designed. Unfortunately the GMT, Sub and other sports models are so collectible and expensive now, collectors don't wear them for their intended tool watch purpose. The E2 is also more compatible with the lifestyle of the average person. It has a GMT function for traveling and water resistant enough to swim or recreational dive with. That's what 99% of the population who buy sports watches require. The Sub at 300m waterproof and the GMT Master with its 3rd timezone functionality are designed for professional divers and pilots. They are over engineered, unecessary functions for the average person. And I say person rather than man, because the E2 was the first men's sports Rolex or 40mm sports watch ever to feature in an advertisement being worn by a woman. Although Pussy Galore from Goldfinger wore a GMT decades before the E2 came into existence but that wasn't endorsed by Rolex themselves. The Explorer line is also one of the last true sports models only to be manufactured in steel. No precious metals. That can not be said for the Sub, GMT, Sky Dweller, Yachtmaster or since Baselworld 2019, the Sea Dweller.

[PedalMetal_on_YouTube]

I agree with everything you say in this video; it is the only Rolex watch (besides the Explorer 1) that truly gets my heart racing! I hate the newer versions with the Mercedes hands and circles, but I do like the orange Explorer II logo; that looks very nice. I like your rendition as well, except I would prefer the Mk1 straight seconds hand, but that is just nit picking. I agree with you when you state that if Rolex redesigned the Explorer II to look more like the original, it would sell like hot cakes; I know I would buy one in a heart beat! Well done!

[MHPPJdeida]

Excellent educational video .... I enjoyed it so much ... looking forward to exploring more videos from your channel ...

[watchdork]

What a cool video! I love the vintage explorer II as well. I loved the negative polar dial you created. I think that would be a truly unique interesting take on the explorer II.

[insydegroup]

You are right. That the best instrumental watch that Rolex did.

[emexokezie]

Spot on right here in the case of especially this particular iteration of the explorer... As a kid, it was my absolute favourite especially as I loved aircraft cockpits! It conveys that functional urgency with
first rate legibility! The current ones, I am not a fan, they've lost their true explorer 2 DNA design language, this, in turn has caused me to faithfully redesign the explorer II which I started initially in 2019....ill seek the opportunity in watches and wonders 2024 to unveil it for the first time... Field tests for the aesthetics alone, which is all that is missing in the Rolex range indicate my redesign is an absolute winner and huge potential success for that model! Thank you for highlighting this topic, no one else really has!