122 Rolex Refined and Sporty, Explorer, Automatic Wristwatch in Steel, Black Dial, With Warranty, Reference 1016
Estimate: €15,000 – 30,000
Sold (Premium)€18,200
Model: Explorer
Reference: 1016
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 1968
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 1570
Case N°: 1 731 786
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Warranty
Rolex was adamant about wanting its watches on top whether it was. So in 1952 they equipped the British climbers with large size Oyster watches. These watches were what collectors now refer to as Pre-Explorers, essentially prototypes of what would ultimately become the Explorer. This example of Explorer reference 1016 is not one of the first but it features the same 36 mm sized Oyster case like the first one that climbed the mountains. It presents no evident signs of wearing, along with an Oyster riveted bracelet in nice conditions as well. Its black matte dial, introduced in the late 1960s, instead of the previous gilt one, has a white iconic trio of Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. Completed by the signature of this model with baton indexes, outer minute/second divisions and luminous steel Mercedes hands, this watch is an unmissable piece of history reminiscent of human feats, further sold with its original warranty.