3 Rolex Refined and Sporty, Explorer Automatic Wristwatch in Steel, Reference 1016, With Box and Papers

Estimate: € 10.000 –⁠ 20.000

Model: Explorer Reference: 1016 Case Material: Stainless Steel Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel Year: 1988 Movement: Automatic Caliber: 1570 Case N°: R880529 Dimensions: 36 mm Signed: Dial, Case and Movement Accessories: Box, Papers, Wallet and Calendar Rolex was adamant that he wanted its watches on the summit and so in 1952 they equipped the British climbers with large size Oyster watches. These watches were what collectors now refer to as Pre-Explorers, essentially prototypes of what would ultimately become the Explorer. This example of Explorer reference 1016 watch is not one of the first but it features the same 36 mm sized Oyster case like the first one that climbed those mountains. It presents no evident signs of wearing, a very nice steel case with still the sticker on the back along with an Oyster bracelet in nice conditions as well. Its black matte dial, introduced in the late 1960s, instead of the previous gilt one, has a white iconic trio of Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. Completed by the signature of this model with baton indexes, outer minute/second divisions and luminous steel Mercedes hands this watch is an unmissable piece of history reminiscent of human feats, further sold with its original box and warranty.