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Explorer · 1971 to 1984
“Freccione / Steve McQueen”
Grade A · 83/100Today's call: Buy
A: strong buy-and-hold. Ranked #24 of 129 references in The Crown Index vault.
| Original retail (1975) | $385 |
|---|---|
| Market today | $22,000 – $35,000 |
| Vs original retail | +7303% |
| 1-year trend | +6% |
The spelunker's watch with the giant orange arrow, nicknamed for Steve McQueen who never actually wore one. The myth priced itself in anyway.
A commercial flop in period, which is exactly why clean ones are rare now.
The orange-hand Explorer II that nobody bought in the 70s, allegedly worn by Steve McQueen (there's no photo; the nickname won anyway). Cave explorers were the target market, there were not many cave explorers.
Commercial failure then, grail now: the 'Freccione' (big arrow) is among the most recognizable vintage sports Rolexes, with five dial marks and a straight-hand early version that specialists pay up for. Failure plus time equals cult, every time.
Our verdict: Cult vintage with the best nickname economics in Rolex. Condition and originality are the entire game.
| Sizes | 39mm |
|---|---|
| Case & bracelet material | Oystersteel (stainless) |
| Factory bracelet | Oyster |
| Factory bezels | Fixed steel 24-hour |
| Notable dials | Matte black, big orange 24h hand |
| Caliber | 1575 |
| Production | 1971 to 1984 (discontinued) |
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