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.

Watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case presents very cleanly and shows signs of a previous polish. There is endlink rub, from a previously fitted bracelet, on the rears of the lugs. The gilt chapter ring dial is in excellent condition, with uniform crazing to the lacquer and a very small area of damage near the edge at three o’clock. The hands remain very clean. It is fitted with a brown leather strap and a steel pin buckle.

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.