Friday, September 17, 2010

MkII LRRP: Homage to the Rolex Explorer Mark II Ref. 1655

I received my MkII LRRP a couple days ago, but I just got around to sizing the bracelet.  I chose the bracelet model since the 1655 always looked best on its Oyster bracelet IMHO.  However, this MkII bracelet is "odd".  The removable links have (tiny!) screws on each side PLUS there's a rod/bar inside the link that actually holds two links together.  All three need to come off when you remove a link.  

The watch is powered by an ETA 2893-2.  So the 24-hour hand is independently adjustable, not the 12-hour hand.  Sapphire crystal and 300 meter water resistance.  The lug width is 22mm.  The bezel rotates bidirectionally.  Originally, these were fitted with a metal ring but apparently they are a challenge to get on correctly so Bill (Yao) switched to using a rubber gasket.  I requested the metal ring be fitted on mine, but Bill recommended and installed the rubber gasket.  Bill being who he is, he actually shipped two extra rubber gaskets and two of the metal rings with a note that I could have them installed later if it bothered me.  Now that's service.  Thanks Bill.

Enough talk.  Here's an iPhone 3GS pic.