Introduction
Inspired by the first-ever successful summit of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and his Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, who wore a Rolex Oyster Perpetual, the Rolex Explorer has long been Rolex's ultimate adventure watch. Constructed entirely from Rolex's 904L steel, the Explorer's robust design ensures that it can always battle the elements. Featuring some of Rolex's most capable movements and a rich heritage to boot, the Explorer is another display of their timeless design as this icon of watchmaking has remained virtually untouched in its aesthetic since its inception. Identifiable by its signature 3-6-9 glossy black dial, a flat stainless steel bezel, and entirely satin-brushed stainless steel case and bracelet, the Rolex Explorer has become renowned for its understated class, sporty elegance, and capable construction.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$10,000 – $15,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
36mm
Model
Explorer
Movement
Automatic cal. 1570
Reference
1016
Bracelet
Stainless steel Jubilee bracelet
Year
1968
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch Only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Featuring a sleek black dial with large indices and Arabic numerals populating 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, the Explorer ref. 1016's popularity amongst collectors has aided in making the Explorer's dial design a true icon within Rolex's offering.
THE CONSTRUCTION
While its hollow end links and center links, acrylic crystal, and fold-over clasp provide a beautifully pure expression of what a vintage Rolex was like to wear back in its heyday, the ref. 1016's 36mm diameter was certainly not the norm during the '60s, with it dwarfing most watches from the time and remaining timeless today, all these years later.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
The watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case has a number of light scratches and scuffs, as expected of a watch of this vintage, with some more noticeable scratches and a couple of small nicks on the sharp bezel. The case has been previously polished. The dial is in excellent condition, and the hands are clean with lume a slight shade darker than the hour markers. There are a number of scratches and scuffs on the acrylic crystal. The watch is fitted with a solid-link Jubilee bracelet with light surface scratches and light play between the links. The bracelet has 22 links, 3 of which are removable, and fits an approximately 7 3/4” wrist.
Our Perspective
When I first started my collecting journey, the Explorer 1016 was the watch I coveted most. A functional yet straightforward timepiece, it is the epitome of what a rugged tool-watch should be, and this example is a beautiful expression of the Explorer's utilitarian design language.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
