Rolex Tropical Gilt Explorer I Reference 1016 Full Set w/ Letter of Provenance
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 model features a tropical gilt dial. The watch features a 1.15M serial and dates to circa 1965. The case is 36mm in diameter. It is in nice condition and has been lightly polished. It is paired on a period correct Rolex 7206 rivet bracelet with 58 end links dating to 1964. The hands have been color matched.
It comes with a letter of provenance from the original owner who was a Junior Officer in the British Merchant Navy. He purchased the watch at Artland Watch Company in Hong Kong while working overseas. In the letter, he details having one bad memory with the watch: an altercation in Manila where a thief tried to steal his 1016! Thankfully, he held tight to the watch and had friends come to defend him.
The watch comes with box and papers. It was recently serviced in December 2025 and is running well.
PRICE: $45,000 (ITEM:)
