1975 Rolex Explorer I Stainless Steel 1016 Wristwatch

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1975 Rolex Explorer I Stainless Steel 1016 Wristwatch

About the Item

"Vintage * *Complete with: Presentation Box & Guarantee dated 9th January 1975 *Case Size: 36mm *Strap: Stainless Steel Oyster *Age: 1975 *Strap length: Adjustable up to 19cm. Please note we can order spare links and alternate length/colour straps if required. For a quote please contact us. ** Condition: The item is in very good condition and shows one or two noticeable signs of wear or patina relative to its age. When watch collectors are discussing how durable modern day sports watches are, the Rolex Explorer is rarely omitted. Since its incarnation in the 1950s it has been synonymous with activity and adventure, even before it bore the Explorer name on the dial. This is an example of the sixth reference in the Rolex Explorer history, following on from the earliest prototypes 6058 and 6150, then the 6258 and 6350. The reference 6610 released in 1959, featured Explorer on the dial and had a slightly flatter caseback than the previous bubblebacks – the Explorer after all was developed around an early bubbleback oyster case design. Then came the reference in question here – the 1016. The reference 1016 was released in 1963 with a new calibre 1560 (a replacement to the previous calibre 1030, and prior to that the A296 which was used in Submariners such as the big crown “James Bond” ref 6538). The dial of the 1016 featured the visually convenient and highly recognisable 3, 6 and 9 numerals - still used - with “Explorer” written on the dial and “Officially Certified Chronometer” below, all printed in white. The calibre 1560 was the first COSC certified chronometer to be fitted as standard in a Rolex Explorer. The ref 1016 had a manufacturing timeline stretching an enormous 26 years, from 1963 to 1989. This makes it one of the most famous and earliest available Explorer references and has the usual Rolex plethora of variations along its history. The differing details during the 1016 production period mainly included variations of dial writing on either folded link or riveted bracelets. It is worth researching these variations and understanding the chronology. This particular model dates to 1970 with it’s serial number starting 296,****. This piece has light wear to the bracelet and lugs. The folded link bracelet ref. 7836 is in good condition with appropriate 358 end links. The lume has degraded and the dial has potentially seen some cleaning in its past. The Mercedes hands are in immaculate condition suggesting they may be service or replacement hands, but all matching well. The watch comes with presentation box. Jacob Tomkins is founder and publisher of Twelve: Watch Buyer’s Journal. He is dedicated to horological content and collectors knowledge with a particular interest in rare and unusual timepieces. He has gathered valuable and substantial collecting knowledge over a career-long passion and fascination with the mechanics and variations in watchmaking. ** Gender: Men's *Dial: Black Arabic *Glass: Plexiglass *Movement: Automatic *Water Resistance: To Manufacturers Specifications *Case: Stainless Steel *Buckle Material: Stainless Steel Deployant *Strap Width: At Case - 19mm/At Buckle - 15mm ** PLEASE NOTE: ALL INTERNATIONAL ORDERS MAY BE SUBJECT TO LOCAL TAXES AND DUTIES WHICH REMAIN THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BUYER. SHOULD AN ITEM BE REJECTED ON THE BASIS OF THESE COSTS WE WILL BE UNABLE TO REFUND OUTWARD & RETURN SHIPPING COSTS. PLEASE CONTACT US SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. ** SERVICE HISTORY * This watch has received a Rolex accredited service in line with our exacting standards. ** PROVENANCE * All of our items undergo checks against a number of databases created in conjunction with the brands and worldwide authorities to ensure authenticity and provenance is ascertained. ** WARRANTY * All of our pre-owned watches have undergone thorough mechanical inspections, including being ultrasonically cleaned, serviced and resealed if appropriate and tested for a minimum of 7 days, to ensure they meet our highest timekeeping standards. Our pre-owned and vintage watches are covered by a full, or a limited twenty-four month warranty. For example, due to their age, some vintage watches should not be subjected to the same conditions as when they were new such as water resistance, which it may no longer be possible to guarantee. Please see our Terms & Conditions for further information. All of our new watches are covered by the warranty from the original manufacturer. Please contact us for further information. ** DELIVERY * UK - We offer a complimentary next day delivery service for all UK orders placed before 3pm. If your order is placed after this time, or during the weekend, your item(s) will be dispatched on the nearest working day. Please be aware that your parcel will require a signature in order to be delivered and tracking information will be supplied on the day of dispatch. We also offer named day delivery options, so please contact us to discuss your requirements. ** International - We offer complimentary delivery on all international orders. If your order is placed before 12pm (GMT) your item(s) will be dispatched on the same day. We aim to get your order to you as quickly as possible, but in rare cases, local customs and excise authorities can introduce delivery delays that are out of our control. We will notify you of any delays where possible and a tracking number will be sent to you on the day of dispatch. ** RETURNS * We're confident that you'll love your purchase from us, but we understand the importance of peace of mind when shopping online. If you decide you would like to return your item, we offer a 30-day returns period from the date of delivery, entitling you to a full refund or exchange."

Creator:
Rolex
Case Material:
Stainless Steel
Case Dimensions:
Diameter: 1.42 in (36 mm)
Place of Origin:
United Kingdom
Period:
1970-1979
Date of Manufacture:
9th January 1975
Condition:
"The item is in very good condition and shows one or two noticeable signs of wear or patina relative to its age. When watch collectors are discussing how durable modern day sports watches are, the Rolex Explorer is rarely omitted. Since its incarnati.
Seller Location:
Bishops Stortford, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: COM17821stDibs: LU131835427732

Shop All Rolex

Rolex

While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.

Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.

But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.

But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.

Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.

The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.

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