Rolex Explorer I Reference 1016 R Serial Unpolished

Introduced in 1960 an icon was born in the Rolex Explorer reference 1016. The 1016 was produced until circa 1989. This example features an R serial dating it to circa 1987-1988. The case is unpolished and measures 36mm in diameter (43mm lug-to-lug). The lume is pale which is found in models from the mid-late 1980s. It is paired on a correct Rolex 78360 bracelet with 580 end links.

The ref. 1016 marked the first Explorer with “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" printed on the dial. It is one of the most desired timepieces and for great reason. The 1016 is one of the purest expressions of watch design and for this reason that I am probably asked for vintage Explorer reference 1016s more than any other watch.

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 does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history and is running great. It features a D22 TrueDome crystal.

SOLD (Item SBUXYT1707)