My 1978 Rolex Explorer II

[dff3]

First, allow me to say hello to all. Throughout my life, I have been lucky enough to owned a number or these beautiful watches.

This is a photo of my well-worn 1978 Explorer II -- model #16550 – Serial #561xxxx which I purchased in 1978 and have worn, pretty much, every single day til about June of this year. It has been a great and trustworthy friend for 28 years.

In the early 70's I ran a Mercedes Agency in Pittsburgh Pa. and purchased 3 Rolex watches before the Explorer II -- a Submariner, GMT and Daytona. In the early 80's I came to Los Angeles to develop projects for Television. I used the Rolexes to help finance my time here til my ship came in, in 1986. I kept the Explorer II basically because it appeared that everyone in entertainment out here wore either a Stainless GMT or Stainless Submariner -- unless they had a show on the air and then they wore a Gold Submariner and a Gold Daytona for weekends. Also, my Rolex service guy out here assured me that the Explorer II was the most bullet-proof of the bunch, if, for no other reason than it had no rotating bezel and therefore, dirt would never infiltrate. True or not -- it has turned out to be as bullet-proof as promised.

Again, hello to all and thank you for allowing me to introduce my friend.

[Otis]

Oooh, that's a very coveted beauty of a watch there! Thanks for the story too & welcome to TRF :thumbsup:

I'm sure that baby has got some interesting stories to tell to! :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

[mailman]

Hello David and welcome to TRF :cheers: Your EXP II is a beautiful watch .We have a member here that has at least three of the same model. It's something to hold on to for all of the reasons you listed above. It's been with you through thick and thin.

Hope you can stick around and join in the fun here. We have a great bunch full of knowledge and laughs on a daily basis. :cheers:

BTW, do you have any idea of how much your Daytona would be worth today? :crying: :crying:

[padi56]

Welcome to TRF David very nice vintage explorer.

[JJ Irani]

Hi David,

A big and warm welcome to TRF. That's a great looking vintage there, much sought after.

Cheers - JJ :thumbsup:

[dff3]

Padi and JJ --

Thanks so much for the warm welcome.

[mike]

Hi David,
Let me also extend a very warm welcome!:cheers:
And.....A very big congrats on such an outstanding vintage example!!!!!!:thumbsup:
That's a wonderfull example of one of the "grails" of the vintage community!
Back in the day when they were really "tool watches" in the truest sence,and I might add made all the more special because you are the orginal owner and have such a great history with the watch. Well done!:thumbsup:

Yes, your 1655 is about as bullet proof as they come. With it's 1575 movement(one of the strongest movements Rolex ever made IMHO) and the non rotating bezel it is truly as strong as they come.
The bezel, while non rotating, is capable of being removed/replaced(don't do this!)
Thanks for posting this and keep them comming!!!:clap: :clap: :clap:

[Rockrolex]

Hi, David. Let me add my welcome to our merry madhouse. We're certainly glad you found your way over here, especially to show off that beauty of en EXP. Wonderful watch and great story.

Do stick around and post often. This is a fun place to hang out. :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

[C.J.]

Welcome to TRF, David and congratulations on an incredible watch :cheers: :cheers: