Rolex L Serial Explorer I Reference 1016 Unpolished Full Set

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 is one of the last Explorer 1016s produced. It dates to circa 1989 with a L serial. It was shipped in 1990 per the red code on the back of the warranty (RH RO CH means it was shipped 10 12 90 or October 12, 1990 - an insanely late 1016). It features the original correct pale white tritium lume on the hands and luminous markers. The case is 36mm in diameter (43mm lug-to-lug). The case is unpolished and is in mint condition - it is one of the best, crispiest, and mintiest 1016s I have seen and gives you the feeling of walking into a Rolex retailer in late 1990 and purchasing it. The photo of the lower right lug reflects just fingerprints on the bezel, not scratches. It is paired on a bracelet with a flip lock clasp, which is seen on the final 1016s and extremely rare.

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.

We do not know the service history, but it is running well and probably was never serviced. It comes full set with box and papers. Honestly, I don’t want to sell this watch and know I will regret selling it.

SOLD (Item SBUXYT2798)