Rolex Stainless Steel Tropical Dial Explorer Wristwatch Ref 1016

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Rolex Stainless Steel Tropical Dial Explorer Wristwatch Ref 1016

About the Item

Model: Explorer Reference: 1016 Circa: 1966 Cal. 1560 automatic jewelled movement, tropical brown dial, luminous baton numerals and Arabic 3,6, and 9 and triangle at 12, luminous Mercedes hands, outer minute divisions, center seconds, stainless steel circular case, screw down crown, screw back, case, dial, and movement signed 36mm The Rolex Explorer is a watch that is reminiscent of a time when humanity was fascinated with exploring our own land and discovering new parts of the Earth. In the 1950’s, there was a determination to conquer every part our planet, be it the top of a mountain or the depths of the sea. In 1953, an expedition led by Edmund Hilary and John Hunt successfully climbed to the top of Mount Everest, wearing Rolex Oyster Perpetual wristwatches. Rolex capitalized on this success, advertising the dependability and durability of their Oyster Perpetual models – which were able to withstand extreme temperature changes, completely waterproof, and self-winding. The climbers were equipped with references 6098 and 6150, which featured white dials with leaf hands, Starting in 1953, Rolex began to use the word “Explorer” on the dials of several references, and featured the dial design we now associate with the Explorer – the Arabic 3-6-9. Over the next ten years, the Explorer model went through a number of references with subtle design differences on dials, and later added the Mercedes hands, but always keeping the Arabic 3-6-9. In 1963, Rolex introduced the reference 1016, replacing the Explorer reference 6610. The most well-known and with the longest production span of any Explorer models, the 1016 was manufactured for 26 years. It featured the caliber 1560, and water resistance was increased from 50m to 100m. Later generations of the 1016 would contain the caliber 1570, which had a hacking function. Fans of James Bond will recall the Rolex 1016 Explorer is the watch worn by Ian Fleming, and referenced in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” in 1963. With such a long production period, the Explorer 1016 is the vintage sport model that is often overlooked for the more popular Submariner and Daytona models. Nevertheless, its simple and classi design, exploration history, and James Bond association have made the 1016 Explorer the preferred watch for many collectors. This particular ref. 1016 features a tropical dial, a feature that is extremely desired by collectors for this particular reference.

Creator:
Rolex
Case Material:
Stainless Steel
Case Dimensions:
Diameter: 1.42 in (36 mm)
Place of Origin:
Switzerland
Period:
1960-1969
Date of Manufacture:
1966
Condition:
Minor losses.
Seller Location:
New York, NY
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU33421019282

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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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