The watch designed for Everest
The Rolex Explorer has not yet reached the same stratospheric levels as its sisters, the Daytona and the Submariner. Nevertheless, it remains an icon and its value has been increasing for years. Only 5 years ago, we could find as early as 1016 at a reasonable price, today its value is constantly increasing.
One of the brand's most discreet and successful watches thanks to its dial with Arabic numerals 3,6 and 9. Its 36 mm Oyster case is robust, the watch is very comfortable to wear with this leather strap. Moreover, this pin buckle is a real Rolex buckle. XXX.
In the early 1930s, the brand with the crown decided to equip many explorers with an Oyster watch. Over the years, information and feedback will contribute to the development of the Explorer. The ascent of Everest, led in 1953 by Sir John Hunt, enabled Sir Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay to become the first mountaineers to reach the 8848-meter summit. Inspired by this feat, the Oyster Perpetual Explorer was launched in 1953 to celebrate the victorious ascent of Everest and immediately became an icon.
Like most of today's iconic watches, the Explorer was originally a tool-watch marketed to explorers for its sturdy, durable case and easy-to-read dial. Rolex continued to evolve its design and, in 1963, introduced the reference 1016 with an improved movement, the caliber 1570. The 1016 was marketed until 1989.
This reference has a case with an engraving of a serial number that corresponds to a production date. The original matt black dial is in superb condition, and the luminous material of its hands and indexes has developed an exceptional patina going towards the pumpkin. The watch and the bracelet are in excellent condition. With a black dial with the numbers 3, 6, 9 which characterizes all Explorer 1 models, this watch has been designed to withstand the harshest weather conditions and the most hostile environments that explorer adventurers go through during their expeditions.
Due to its 26 years of production, the Explorer 1016 is available with several dial finishes. A typical example of classic Rolex design, this Explorer is an excellent representation of the Rolex tool-watch. Although the 1016s are not particularly rare, finding original examples in very good condition is always a challenge. Many have been over-restored with service components, and others have been worn out or over-polished.
