Rolex Gilt Dial Explorer I Reference 1016 w/ Papers

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 example dates to circa 1963 with a 901,XXX serial. The gilt dial is very attractive and the lume is original. The case is 36mm in diameter. The case has been polished.

It does not include box but it does come with papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. It recently passed a water resistance test of 3 bar.

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:

PRICE: $25,000 (SBUXYT3081)