1969 Rolex Explorer I (Ref. 1016) Mk I "Frog Foot" Dial

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 sports 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 the longest-produced Rolex watches, and has become a cornerstone piece for any Rolex collection that can hold its own. Although the Explorer ref. 1016 was produced for a long period of time, it has become one of the more elusive references in recent years due to the simple fact that Rolex didn't manufacture very many during its tenure. Along with the low production numbers, collectors have been holding onto these pieces which further reduces the number of models available for purchase. 

The very first dial variant for the matte dial era of the reference 1016, also known as the Mk I dial, is commonly referred to as the "Frog Foot" dial. This odd nickname is in reference to the coincidental resemblance of the Rolex coronet printed on the dial to a frog's foot. This charming characteristic, along with the overall scarcity of the Explorer I reference 1016 as a whole has made Mk I dial variant highly celebrated within the vintage watch community and very sought after as well.