Rolex Explorer I Ref. 1016

The Rolex Explorer reference 1016 is one of the purest expressions of watch design, and it is for this reason that I am probably asked for vintage Explorer reference 1016s more than any other watch. 

This example dates to circa late 1966 with a 1.61M serial. It features a tritium matte dial. The watch may have originally been born with a gilt dial. The case is 36mm in diameter (43mm lug-to-lug). It is paired on a later service Oyster bracelet dated to circa 2000. The case has been polished in the past. 

We do not know the service history, but it is running well. It does not come with a box or papers. It recently passed a 5 bar water resistance test. 

To learn more about the history and evolution of the Rolex Explorer I, you can see the video and corresponding article I produced with HODINKEE:

PRICE: $17,900 (Item SBUXYT5004)