Once upon a time in Texas - Explorer II 1655 set.

[springer]

Good things can be had for those with patience- even during these times of high inflation and diminishing watch prices. The later models have seen some significant price reductions this year, but many of the quality vintage models are still in demand. Additionally, while nice vintage sets are rarely offered for sale anymore, there are still some nice sets lurking out there.

Last week I was offered an Explorer II set from an original owner that was consigned to a close friend of mine. It didn't take very long for me to pull the trigger on this 1980 Explorer II 1655 after seeing the photos and hearing the back story on the watch.

The watch is in excellent condition and has been serviced by the Rolex NYC RSC twice, once during 1987 and the second time during the late 1990s. The watch dial, hands, bezel and bracelet are original to the watch. At one point during a service, the owner asked the RSC to install a sapphire crystal and a Submariner flip-lock clasp to his 78360 Oyster bracelet. The RSC offered to sell him a complete 93150 bracelet, which the owner declined, and the sapphire crystal installation was denied by the RSC.

This will be my first 1655 for the collection which will fit right in with the two or three vintage GMTs that I collect. And, speaking of vintage sets, if you are a collector and have a vintage set that you want to show off, let's see some photos of those beauties in this thread.