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
Rolex Service Pouch
Est. value range
$20,000 – $30,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
36mm
Model
Explorer
Movement
Automatic cal. 1570
Reference
1016
Bracelet
Stainless Steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1975 (4,094,343 serial)
Condition
Very Good
Material
Stainless Steel
Included
Watch and Rolex Service Pouch
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Beyond the incredible fact that this example is fitted with its original co-signed Tiffany & Co. dial, this ref. 1016's hour markers have developed a vivid orange patina beyond what we normally see in vintage Rolex timepieces. So deep and unusual is this orange patina that Rolex collectors call dials like this; "Pumpkin" dials - a mark of their true exceptional color.
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
Watch is in overall very good condition. The Tiffany & Co. signed dial is in near-mint condition with evenly toned dark cream indexes and no visible surface blemishes. Original hands show corrosion but still retain their original luminous material. The case is still thick and full, with very minor corrosion along the 9 o'clock area of the bezel, caseback and mid case. It is superficial and can easily be remedied by a competent watchmaker. Numbers between the lugs are clear and fully visible. Watch comes on a 78360 oyster band that has medium stretch and 12 links total.
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, with its incredible co-signed Tiffany & Co. dial and incredibly unique orange hour markers, is easily found atop the apex of 1016's for the incredible rarity of both; its Tiffany stamp and vivid patina.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
