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 near-mint overall condition. Case is razor sharp with thick lugs and a sharp bezel. Minor surface wear is evident, with some light scratches visible on the bezel an other surfaces. There is a surface scratch on the crystal that can be seen on the images around the 9 o'clock index. The dial is near-mint, with perfect white tritium luminous and no signs of wear or degradation. Watch comes on its original 78360 oyster bracelet with 11 links total, 1 of which is removable. It fits a 6 3/4" wrist on the largest clasp setting. There is negligible stretch in the band.

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. Of the 1016s, one of the most coveted versions is the "L-Serial", the very last of the 1016s and also the very last of the plastic crystal Rolexes.