ROLEX Explorer, Ref. 1016, A Stainless Steel Wristwatch with Bracelet, Circa 1979

ROLEX

Explorer, Ref. 1016

A Stainless Steel Wristwatch with Bracelet, Circa 1979 

Dial: black

Caliber: Cal. 1570 automatic, 26 jewels

Case: stainless steel, screw-down back

Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp

Dimensions: 36 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 180 mm

Signed: case, dial and movement

Case numbers: ref. 1016 / serial: 6151780

Due to its 30-year production run, the Explorer 1016 exists with several different dial finishes. This particular example of the Explorer 1016 from 1979 is fitted with the sought-after matte black dial. In the late 1960s, Rolex switched from using a glossy black dial with gilt details to a matte black dial with white text, and continued to do so until the 1980s when the reference 1016 was discontinued. The watch features the customary 36 mm sized Oyster case, along with an Oyster bracelet. A signature detail of the Explorer model is the trio of Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, accompanied by Mercedes-style center hands. A textbook example of a truly classic Rolex design, this Explorer 1016 is an excellent representation of the quintessential Rolex tool watch.