1655 Booklet--FINALLY

[pablofields]

So, it was with a mixture of delight and a bit of frustration when my vintage 1655 booklet arrived from the UK. Delight because since I bought my straight hand earlier this year, I've obsessed about getting the correct Rolex Explorer booklet (LOL-X knows what I mean!)--the one with the snow covered mountain on the cover. AND with the straight hand version of the 1655 pictured--rather than the later variant with the luminous dot on the second hand.

Frustration with myself for being so obsessed that I was willing to shell out so much money for a flimsy little booklet

Couple of interesting observations though (interesting to 1655 junkies anyway!). My straight hand booklet, printed in english, differs in a couple of respects from the later english booklets that shows the luminous dot version.

First, on page 4, where the 1655 straight hand is pictured by itself, the text refers to "waterproof to a depth of 100 m"....whereas the dot booklet, also in english, that is referenced on the doubleredseadweller site refers to "Pressure proof to a depth of 330 ft."

Second, the straight hand version does not identify the watch reference number under the picture of the watch; in contrast the dot version says: "Ref. 1655/0"

This suggests that, at least with respect to the english versions of the booklets, the excellent "The History of the Explorer II 1655" posted on R-L-X Das Forum by Prof. Rolex is not accurate when it says that "The booklet for the Explorer was never changed over the complete production period of the 1655 from 1971 to 1984. This is remarkable, as even [in] 1984 the 1655 was still shown in their prime version from 1971." Apparently, the German version did not change while the English did!

And to add another twist, there is an english language booklet (from Stefano Mazzariol's blog) that shows a dot 1655 and references the 100 m depth but has the "Ref. 1655/0" under the watch photo. One can see that the date on that booklet is 3/76....my booklet is 5/72...and I don't know what the DRSD example is dated.

The first 4 pictures are of my booklet. Then is the reference from DRSD.com and finally pics from Stefano's blog.

What does it all mean? Who the hell knows! As often the case with Rolex, however, fascinating nonetheless.

[whiskyguy]

Great observations

with vintage Rolex its all in the minutiae
cheers

[onkyo]

Very interesting observations.

[Tools]

Interesting observations..

I would suspect that the one referencing 330ft was for release in the USA as back then, the US did not reference meters.

[pablofields]

Originally Posted by Tools

Interesting observations..

I would suspect that the one referencing 330ft was for release in the USA as back then, the US did not reference meters.

Good point...I remember well the push in the 70s for the US to go metric. Never really caught on!

[therolexguy]

We all have way too much time on our hands! Great info.

[stevemulholland3]

oh man,I just threw a few of those away too!...lol

[swatty]

Originally Posted by stevemulholland3

oh man,I just threw a few of those away too!...lol

:j ustkiddi

[Lol-x]

Nice going, congrats on getting that booklet, excellent

Now can I please see a photo of your 1655?

[pablofields]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

Nice going, congrats on getting that booklet, excellent

Now can I please see a photo of your 1655?

but of course....the first pics are in its original state...as this is a 3-4 time per week on wrist watch though, I have put the original bezel, hands, and dial in the safe and put on service replacements--as one can (sort of) tell by the last two crappy pics. I also obtained (courtesy of Mr. Mulholland of course) a period correct NOS tropic 38 (non-cyclops) crystal that I absolutely love on the 1655.

So now I have my perfect watch...though I have to admit the week that I wore it in its all original patina'd glory was pretty cool. Couldn't stop looking at my wrist!

[fusionstorm]

Thanks for the writeup! I just acquired what I thought was a "correct" booklet for my 1655 MK4. Mine looks exactly the same as yours (and every other booklet for the EXII 1655) on the front and back cover. The print date referenced on page 8 is 575-30-31.50432, so I'm inferring that this is a May of '75 date.

Page 0 (i.e. the inside of the front cover) and page 3 have text stating "waterproof to a depth of 100 m". Both page 0 and page 3 also have an illustration of a straight hand Explorer II, with "Ref. 1655/0" noted under both.

So based on your writeup as well as my earlier read of the "History" essay posted on R-L-X, this is confirmation that a 3rd booklet variation exists for the 1655. When I go in to my office sometime next week, I can scan the booklet and add pics to this thread.

Happy Thanksgiving!

[pablofields]

That makes 4 English language versions

1. Straight hand with waterproof/meters and no 'Ref. 1665/0'

2. SH with waterproof/meters and with 'Ref 1655/0'

3. Luminous Dot with pressureproof/feet and with 'Ref 1655/0'

4. LD with waterproof/meters and with 'Ref 1655-0'

and me w headache.... and one last thought: In 30 years, will these "variants" have different "collectibility" and "value" (assuming equal physical condition)? Will we (or our descendants) be referring to the highly sought after "American" booklet (pressure proof/feet)? Or perhaps the ultra rare "no Ref." booklet?

[Lol-x]

Thanks for the photos.
It looks like you have gone to a lot of trouble getting the watch to how you like it.
I definitely like your idea to keep the original dial and hands and put on a replacement for day to day wear.
I also like the non-cyclops crystal.

[tudorman8276]

[pablofields]

Originally Posted by tudorman8276

...and another little tweak...I have never really liked the clasp style on the 78360 so that too is in the safe and I purchased a gorgeous Gay Freres clasp and the incomparable Stan the Tudorman fit it on my oyster bracelet. Now it is truly customized to my taste.

Also had the 78360 type clasp on my beloved 1989 SS DJ--my first real watch as a 21st bday present. Just recently was lucky enough to see that Oscar "The Body" Bump was selling a SS Daytona clasp...so I bought that and boy does it look sweet on a SS Jubilee bracelet!

The common thread here is great sources for parts, but more importantly some great people here on TRF!


p.s. And to Lol-x...yes, the 38 tropic looks dynamite on the 1655. Soft dome-like appearance. Too bad my pics don't do it justice. If I can find a good camera or photographer I will post some better ones.

[mr_happy_ending]

i see that the watch was serviced in Hong Kong at Jardine House. Can you tell me what the turnaround time for the service is. Also, any other info that you care to share about the customer service in Hong Kong?

thanks!

[pablofields]

Originally Posted by mr_happy_ending

i see that the watch was serviced in Hong Kong at Jardine House. Can you tell me what the turnaround time for the service is. Also, any other info that you care to share about the customer service in Hong Kong?

thanks!

Complete service took about 6 weeks. I didn't deal with them in person but they seem very professional. One interesting note is that with a 1655, Rolex HK will let you keep your original dial and hands if you order service replacements BUT not the same with the bezel--that you must surrender if you want to get replacement. Also, takes about 4-5 months for service dial and hands to arrive.