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 black dial, a flat stainless steel bezel, and entirely satin-brushed stainless steel case and robust bracelet, the Rolex Explorer has become renowned for its understated class, sporty elegance, and capable construction.
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Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$8,000 – $12,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
36mm
Model
Explorer
Movement
Automatic cal. 1570
Reference
1016
Bracelet
Stainless steel Jubilee bracelet
Year
1989
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Featuring a sleek black dial with beautifully aged 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
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case shows surface scratches and scuffs, with signs of a previous polish. The case back bears a personal engraving. The fat lume dial is excellent, with a small imperfection visible on the 3 oclock lume edge. The later tritium hands are very clean. The crystal has a number of scuffs and scratches. It is fitted with a steel Jubilee bracelet showing heavy stretch between the links. The bracelet is fitted with 22 links, 2 of which are removable, and fits approximately a 7½” wrist. Please note that the bracelet exhibits heavy stretch.
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
