Rolex Tropical Explorer I Reference 1016 w/ Letter of Provenance

Introduced in 1960 an icon was born in the Rolex Explorer reference 1016. It was produced until circa 1989. This example is a spectacular Explorer 1016 with an amazing tropical dial. It features a 1.50M serial dating it to circa 1967. The case measures 36mm in diameter (43mm lug-to-lug). The case appears to be unpolished.

It is paired on a slightly earlier stretch 6636 Rivet bracelet by Rolex with correct 80 end links dating to 1964.

To learn more about the history and evolution of the Rolex Explorer I, you can see my video and corresponding article Reference Points A Comprehensive Collector's Guide To The Rolex Explorer I.

The watch comes with a letter or provenance from the original owner. He bought this watch sometime in late 1967 while enlisted in the United States Navy stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Franklin Delano Roosevelt deployed in the Mediterranean Sea.

The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. It has just passed a 5 bar water resistance test.

PRICE: SOLD (Item SBUXYT3804)