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 9
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box and Papers
Est. value range
$10,000 – $15,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
36mm
Model
Explorer
Movement
Self-Winding Caliber 1570
Reference
1016
Bracelet
Stainless Steel
Year
1988
Condition
Surface Scratches
Material
Stainless Steel
Included
Box and Papers
Dial Color
Matte Black
THE DIAL
The original tritium dial is mint, with off-white luminous and matching hands.
THE MOVEMENT
The Explorer 1016 utilizes the workhorse caliber 1570 movement, which powered nearly all of the acrylic crystal Rolex watches, and was in use for nearly 30 years.
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 overall condition of the watch is near-mint. Original matte dial is pristine, and is paired with perfectly matching hands. Case and bracelet have some extremely light surface wear throughout, consistant with careful use. Bracelet has 13 links.
Our Perspective
When I first started my collecting journey, the Explorer 1016 is the watch I coveted most. With a simple yet functional design, it is the epitome of a rugged tool-watch. This example, complete with its original boxes and papers, is an R serial - making it one of the very last pieces produced in the late 1980s. First sold by Coleman Adler & Sons, the outer Bufkor box even bears a sticker from the retailer.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
