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
Box, Papers, Booklets, Hang Tags
Est. value range
$10,000 – $15,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
36mm
Model
Explorer
Movement
Automatic cal. 1570
Reference
1016
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1984
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, Box, Papers, Booklets, Hang Tags
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Featuring its iconic 3-6-9 dial layout that has graced the collection since its inception in the 1950s, the Explorer is rooted in tradition. Boasting an appealing color for the luminescent material for its dial and hands, this example is a delight.
THE CONSTRUCTION
While its hollow end links and center links, acrylic crystal, and fold-over clasp, the ref. 1016 provides a beautifully pure expression of what a vintage Rolex was like to wear back in its heyday, and with its 36mm diameter it perfectly fits within today's sizing standards.
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 stainless steel case has some light surface scratches and signs of previous polishing, with additional light marks on the case back. The bezel is very clean. The dial is in excellent condition with good lume. The hands show some surface scratches and display visible degradation and cracking to the lume. The watch is fitted with a solid link Oyster bracelet in excellent condition, with light surface marks and light play between the links. The bracelet currently fits a 7 1/4” wrist, and has 13 links, 3 of which are removable. This example comes as a complete collector’s set with box, papers, booklet, document holder, calendar card, hangtags, and the original caseback sticker.
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.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
