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
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$10,000 – $15,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
36mm
Model
Explorer
Movement
Automatic cal. 1550
Reference
1016
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1964
Condition
Very good
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Brown (tropicalized)
THE DIAL
Featuring a sleek tropicalized golden brown dial with large radium luminescent 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. Boasting gilt inscriptions and an underlined SCOC script, this ref. 1016 is a collector's dream.
THE CONSTRUCTION
With its hollow end links and center links, riveted bracelet, and fold-over clasp, this Explorer ref. 1016 is perhaps the purest expression of what a vintage Rolex was like to wear back in its heyday.
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 very good condition. The case has been previously polished and has a number of scratches and nicks, as expected of a watch of this vintage. The case back has some tool marks around the lip of the teeth. The bezel has some scratches and nicks. The dial has aged to a very pleasing tropical tone, with clear gilt text and a silver underline. The dial shows crackling on the lacquer surface, visible in the images. Lume has aged to a dark hue on both the dial and the hands. Crystal has some light scratches on the surface. The later folded link bracelet has moderate play between the links. The bracelet currently fits a 7 1/2" wrist and has 12 links.
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 1964 example is a beautiful expression of the Explorer's utilitarian design language with some flourishes such as its tropical underline gilt dial.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
