Rolex Explorer I Reference 1016 Full Set Unpolished

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 is a superb example that Eric is considering keeping. The case is 36mm in diameter and is super sharp. We believe the case is unpolished. It has an 9.06 million serial dates to circa 1986. It is paired on a period correct Rolex 78360 bracelet with 558 end links. The lume is fantastic with a nice warm color. The reference 1016 is 1 million times cooler than Breguet Tourbs (that have for some reason entered the collecting conversation in the past year).

The watch is full set and includes box and papers and has an automatic movement (Caliber 1570 made by Rolex).

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:

SOLD (Item SBUXYT2421)

SOLD