Rolex

1985 Rolex Explorer I (Ref. 1016) W/ Box & Papers

Rolex 1016 Advertisement

The Rolex Explorer I references bridge the gap between a dress watch and a sports watch. Without the crown guards and rotating bezels commonly found on sports models offered by Rolex, the Explorer I has a cleaner, sleeker profile while incorporating recognizable sport model features into the dial. The highly visible block indices, luminescent numerals at the 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, and 9 o'clock positions, and Submariner style triangle at the 12 o'clock position allow for readability under any conditions. The Submariner hands featured on the Ref. 1016 add to the unique feel and appearance...

The 1016 Explorer was one of Rolexes longest produced watches, and these later production 1016 Rolex Explorer 1's have become highly collectible. Due to the simple fact that there weren't many manufactured. Collectors love these watches as they were the last of the Rolex watches produced with a matte black dial, well into the 80s, whereas the rest of the Rolex sports line switched to glossy lacquer with white gold surround lume plots. The Rolex Explorer I Ref. 1016 would make a great addition to an existing collection and offers the utmost versatility as a stand-alone piece. A perfect daily driver is suitable for any setting from casual to formal.  

Stock # RLXEXP101685
Brand Rolex
Style Explorer I
Model Ref. 1016
Serial 90XXXXX
Size Men's
Material SS
Dial Matte Black 3-6-9 Dial
Millimeters 36mm
Bracelet Rolex Oyster 78360 Bracelet w/ 580 End Pieces

 

CASE & BRACELET

The excellent case shows factory finishing with honest wear. The smooth stainless steel bezel remains in wonderful condition with very little wear. The case retains its original twin-lock crown. The Rolex 78360 Oyster bracelet with 580 end pieces retains 11 links with minor stretch from use.

DIAL & HANDS

The gorgeous matte black dial is in excellent vintage condition. The lume has taken on a light creamy patina, the lume plots show as fully intact under U.V. light inspection. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly and show no lume loss or degradation when inspected under U.V. light.

ACCESSORIES 

Watch comes with original inner and outer boxes, warranty paper, and Rolex seal hangtag. Watch just received a full and complete service and is running at COSC spec backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.