Rolex Explorer ref.1016 de 1976

Rolex introduced the Explorer in 1953, the same year that Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay climbed Mount Everest with Rolex Oyster Perpetuals on their wrists. The Explorer was launched to celebrate this achievement and became an icon. The Explorer has been in production ever since and remains an all-time classic that watch enthusiasts love and appreciate for its beauty and simplicity.

Since the watch's inception, Rolex has continued to improve and enhance the Explorer's construction, all while staying true to the original design. Rolex introduced the ref. 1016 around 1959, and it was in production until 1989. During this time, the model remained similar in appearance to its original form, apart from a change from a shiny to a matte dial around 1966. The model remained at 36mm in diameter until 2010.

This ref. 1016 piece has a "Service Only Tritium Dial" service dial which carries Tritium, and the aging of the luminescent material can already be seen on the dial and hands of the watch. In our opinion, it is the only explorer service dial worth collecting.

The watch we have here is in excellent overall condition, the dial is in perfect condition and the watch case shows some signs of use and age. The reference 1016 has continued to gain popularity among collectors in recent years and remains one of the favorites in the watch community.

Brand: Rolex
Model: Explorer
Reference: 1016
Year of Manufacture: 1976
Serial Number: 4-xxxxxx
Material: Steel
Dimensions: 36mm
Crystal Material: Plexiglass
Luminous Material: Tritium
Caliber: 1570
Movement Type: Automatic
Bracelet Width: 20mm
Bracelet: Rolex 93150, End-links 580.
Box/Papers: No
Mechanical Function Guarantee: 6 Months

Comments: The watch underwent a mechanical service, late 80s service dial in perfect condition.