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btmclemore · 9 January 2016, 12:32 PM

Another step taken towards restoring my 1972 McQueen 1655 Explorer II (serial #2,914,***). This watch was given to me by my dad, who won it in a poker game in 1975 for the equivalent of $25.00.

I just had the watch professionally serviced (from a non RSC professional). My 1655 was completely cleaned, replaced the tube, the crown, gaskets and crystal. Given the (circa 1972) 1570 movement, the timing is damn near perfect.

After the servicing, it was found the date dial suffered from water damage (my dad was a fisherman). So, given the date dial issues, the dial/hands are the final step to 1972 restoration. The current dial has been poorly refinished, and the orange hand is no longer on the watch (leaving a skeleton metal frame). Also, before it's all over, I'll replace the end links on the bracelet (currently 258) with 580 end links.

However, I'm super stoked from the progress.

Another small step, but small victories rule!

Also, before some Rolex vulture asks, I'm not interested in selling for any reason.

Picture #1 is the original condition in which I received it.
Picture #2 is the picture after replacing the band with a 7836 bracelet
Picture #3 is the most recent, after the servicing.

Jfullm42 · 9 January 2016, 12:38 PM

Cool story! Thanks for sharing and congrats on the project! Good luck on the search for the dial and hands. I'm assuming you have, but if you haven't yet I would put a wtb add on the vintage Rolex forums.

watchpatina · 10 January 2016, 03:35 AM

My favorite vintage reference! And from your dad too boot! Please keep us posted on how restoration goes...

I would suggest keeping all the original parts after you find replacements. You may never use them again, but (to me) it's cool to keep. Is the current dial original, but just refinished? Based on the early production and straight second hand, I believe it should have a Mark I or Mark II dial.

"Congrats!" Have a great weekend!

btmclemore · 10 January 2016, 04:45 AM

"Is the current dial original, but just refinished? Based on the early production and straight second hand, I believe it should have a Mark I or Mark II dial. "

The dial appears to be a Mark IV, Mark V or Mark VI. The base of the watch says "T Swiss < 25 T" which may indicate there was work done on it in the 80's. I also remember the orange hand being on the watch at one point during the 80's and later that orange hand being off of the frame and inside the watch. So, it's certainly been to a watch maker since the original card game in 75.

Also, with regard to the dial... The alignment of the words "Rolex", "Oyster Perpetual Date" and "Explorer II" are also way off. There may also be some alignment issues with "Superlative Chronometer" and "Officially Certified". The alignment issues made me question if it were a real Rolex. I had to have the back opened to assure we were looking at the real deal.

My goal is to get the Mark 1 or Mark 2 dial. Most that I've seen for sale are poor quality, and they are still very expensive. Time to start saving my pennies I guess. :)

harry in montreal · 10 January 2016, 12:20 PM

I would be happy with an orig dial with damage or imperfections. Those dials are pretty costly when mint.

pablofields · 10 January 2016, 12:27 PM

At the risk of unauthorized "Modding," maybe you can consolidate all the threads you've started on this restoration journey? I see about 11 so far. Perhaps the Mods can start a sticky for folks to follow the link-by-link progress. That will also allow everyone to be on alert for your declaration at the start of this one: "Also, before some Rolex vulture asks, I'm not interested in selling for any reason."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

You already have a thread going on this watch here: www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=442646

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=443196

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=443547

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=443548

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=443547

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=444863

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=445262

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=445263

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=355561

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=448615

btmclemore · 11 January 2016, 04:59 AM

Funny, I have this thread, plus 9 more (not 11). Yes, they're all about the same watch.

However, who goes around counting such things? If you don't care about the thread(s), then, let it/them go.

I'd gladly defer to any moderator.

Thanks for your input.

BNA/LION · 11 January 2016, 05:06 AM

Cool Story on the Journey to Restoration. I would have a hard time taking so long to get the watch all fixed up. You are a more patient man than I am. Best of Luck getting her back into restored condition!

TheRolexKingofLV · 11 January 2016, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by btmclemore

Also, before some Rolex vulture asks, I'm not interested in selling for any reason.

I'm curious...if someone thought enough of your watch to make you an offer, why would you call them a "vulture"? Shouldn't you be honored instead?

wisguy · 11 January 2016, 08:40 AM

Weird thread, but I'll let it go as suggested...

ref1655 · 13 January 2016, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by btmclemore

Another step taken towards restoring my 1972 McQueen 1655 Explorer II (serial #2,914,***). This watch was given to me by my dad, who won it in a poker game in 1975 for the equivalent of $25.00.

*wondering what kind of hand the loser in this poker game was holding as he was wagering $25.00 with a watch that retailed for around $400.00 back in the day*

this reminds me of a bar bet that I was asked to settle over 25 years ago...two guys were arguing over how many tail lights a 1958 T-Bird had. both were wearing SS Daytonas & the watches were wagered as part of a drunken bet. five seconds later, one of them was no longer a Rolex wearer.

moral of the story...alcohol, gambling & Rolexes don't mix!

the original Explorer II is a unique model. I've had mine for over 40 years & during that time, I've maybe seen only one or two individuals wearing a 'straight second hand' version. they're one of the few Rolexes that don't look like a typical Rolex...to the untrained eye.

Xantiagib · 14 January 2016, 01:21 AM

i'd leave the hand alone.... that way its a conversation piece... battle scars and all that

11 January 2016, 05:06 AM	#8
BNA/LION 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Larry Location: San Diego, CA Watch: ROLEX Posts: 25,206	1972 McQueen Rolex 1655 Explorer II - Restoration Project Cool Story on the Journey to Restoration. I would have a hard time taking so long to get the watch all fixed up. You are a more patient man than I am. Best of Luck getting her back into restored condition! __________________ ✦ 28238 President DD 18K/YG ✦ 16610LN SS Sub ✦ 16613 18K/SS Serti ✦ 16550 Exp II Non-Rail Cream Dial ✦ Daytona C 116500 ✦ 126710 BLRO GMT-Master II ✦ NEXT-->? ⛳ Hole In One! 10/3/19 DMCC 5th hole, par 3, 168 yards w/ 4-Iron.

11 January 2016, 08:40 AM	#10
wisguy "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Earth Posts: 2,406	Weird thread, but I'll let it go as suggested... __________________ 5230G / 5146G / 124060 / BB58 / '59 Constellation

9 January 2016, 12:38 PM	#2
Jfullm42 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Real Name: Jeff Location: Seattle, WA Watch: 16600 Posts: 4,065	Cool story! Thanks for sharing and congrats on the project! Good luck on the search for the dial and hands. I'm assuming you have, but if you haven't yet I would put a wtb add on the vintage Rolex forums.

10 January 2016, 03:35 AM	#3
watchpatina "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Real Name: Nick Location: Chicago Watch: Datejust 16200 Posts: 128	My favorite vintage reference! And from your dad too boot! Please keep us posted on how restoration goes... I would suggest keeping all the original parts after you find replacements. You may never use them again, but (to me) it's cool to keep. Is the current dial original, but just refinished? Based on the early production and straight second hand, I believe it should have a Mark I or Mark II dial. "Congrats!" Have a great weekend! __________________ Nick Founder/Editor watchpatina.com Instagram @watchpatina

10 January 2016, 04:45 AM	#4
btmclemore "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Tennessee Watch: Explorer II 1655 Posts: 59	"Is the current dial original, but just refinished? Based on the early production and straight second hand, I believe it should have a Mark I or Mark II dial. " The dial appears to be a Mark IV, Mark V or Mark VI. The base of the watch says "T Swiss < 25 T" which may indicate there was work done on it in the 80's. I also remember the orange hand being on the watch at one point during the 80's and later that orange hand being off of the frame and inside the watch. So, it's certainly been to a watch maker since the original card game in 75. Also, with regard to the dial... The alignment of the words "Rolex", "Oyster Perpetual Date" and "Explorer II" are also way off. There may also be some alignment issues with "Superlative Chronometer" and "Officially Certified". The alignment issues made me question if it were a real Rolex. I had to have the back opened to assure we were looking at the real deal. My goal is to get the Mark 1 or Mark 2 dial. Most that I've seen for sale are poor quality, and they are still very expensive. Time to start saving my pennies I guess. :)

10 January 2016, 12:20 PM	#5
harry in montreal "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Montreal Watch: The Habs pick 1st! Posts: 3,589	I would be happy with an orig dial with damage or imperfections. Those dials are pretty costly when mint.

11 January 2016, 04:59 AM	#7
btmclemore "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Tennessee Watch: Explorer II 1655 Posts: 59	Funny, I have this thread, plus 9 more (not 11). Yes, they're all about the same watch. However, who goes around counting such things? If you don't care about the thread(s), then, let it/them go. I'd gladly defer to any moderator. Thanks for your input.

14 January 2016, 01:21 AM	#12
Xantiagib "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Gibraltar Posts: 203	i'd leave the hand alone.... that way its a conversation piece... battle scars and all that

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