Fine Watches
Fine Watches
Rolex
Explorer, Ref. 1016 | A stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet | Circa 1966
Lot Closed
September 7, 02:07 PM GMT
Estimate
10,000 - 20,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
Rolex
Explorer, Ref. 1016
A stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet
Circa 1966
Dial: tropical black
Calibre: cal. 1570 automatic, 26 jewels
Movement number: 46'463
Case: stainless steel, screw-down back
Case number: 1'506'094
Closure: Sotheby's genuine leather strap and stainless steel buckle
Dimensions: 36 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approx. 180 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: no
Accessories: none
Rolex introduced the ref. 1016 Explorer in 1959 and continued to produce it for the next 30 years until 1989. Many slight variants exist within the 1016 world, but all share an iconic black dial with Arabic numerals at three, six, and nine o'clock. This reference started with a gilt, glossy dial. However, toward late 1966 to early 1967, Rolex switched to a matte dial, one of the most significant changes in the 30 years production run.
The present lot remains in robust condition and the dial has developed a charming gradient tropical patina making it unique. The watch comes directly from the family of the original owner who acquired it in Singapore in the late 1960s while serving in the British RAF.