once this item comes back in stock
| Manufacturer: | Rolex |
| Item Number: | 121548 |
| Condition: | Vintage |
| Model Name/Number: | Explorer 1016 |
| Serial/Year: | 2,9XX,XXX - 1972 |
| Gender: | Men's |
| Movement: | Automatic movement, acrylic crystal, waterproof screw-down crown, |
| Case: | Excellent case which has previously been polished. Case back is stamped 1016 I.72. Serial and model numbers are crisp and well defined. |
| Dial: | Excellent matte black tritium dial with creamy markers and matching hands. |
| Bracelet: | Excellent Oyster rivet bracelet w/ 10 links. Clasp back is stamped "C&I 78". Bracelet has light stretch from use. |
| Box & Papers: | Bob's presentation box, Certificate of Authenticity, and warranty card |
| Comments: | This vintage Rolex comes w/ Bob's 3-day satisfaction guarantee and one year warranty |
Vintage Rolex Explorer 1016
The concept behind the Explorer was inspired by Rolex’s presence during Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary’s historic summit of Mount Everest, during which one of the climbers was wearing an Oyster Perpetual on their wrist. While early Oyster Perpetual Explorer watches were similar in design to other dress references that were being produced at the time, its claim to fame was an increased depth rating of up to 100 meters, a feat that was achieved via a thicker acrylic crystal.
Produced from 1963 to as late as the 1989 or the early 1990s, depending on who you ask, the Explorer 1016 enjoyed a lengthy production run. During that time, upgrades were made to the movement, dial, and bracelet, but the core style remained the same via a stainless steel finish and a dial topped with the now-iconic 3, 6, 9 Arabic markers.
This vintage Rolex 1016 presents the time on a clean, matte dial topped with Tritium baton and Arabic markers in a vanilla patina hue. Later models were also set with the famed Mercedes hands, further enhancing its legibility. The case and bracelet are in excellent condition, showing signs of a light polishing as well as some stretch to the 10-link rivet bracelet. In general, vintage Explorer watches are hard to come by on the pre-owned Rolex market, making this ref. 1016 a particularly exciting find.
* All Pre-Owned Rolex watches are guaranteed to be 100% genuine and certified authentic. Certificates are issued by WatchCSA, the industry's leading independent authority on watch authentication. WatchCSA Certified Pre-Owned certificates are provided for an additional fee at checkout. All watches are shipped to fit the average size wrist (7 1/4" - 7 1/2" for men and 6 1/4" - 6 1/2" for women). Additional links can be purchased if needed. Note that "B&P" means "box and papers" where stated.
Each order is ready for shipment within one (1) business day after the order is approved and processed. All watch orders are shipped FedEx overnight and are fully insured at no charge to the customer. Please note that all shipments require a signature upon arrival.
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This vintage Rolex Explorer is absolutely gorgeous. Love the look, feel, and history.
Nice watch! As per described
I have been searching for this model with the Jubilee bracelet for a long time. Bob's had the right watch at the right price. Purchased online. No issues and received quickly.