Rolex

1967 Rolex Explorer I (Ref. 1016) Mk. I "Frog Foot" Dial

$ 17,500

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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 references 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, and 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 the Mk I dial variant highly celebrated within the vintage watch community and very sought after as well.

SPECS

Stock # RLXEXP101667
Brand Rolex
Style Explorer I
Model 1016
Serial 29XXXXX
Size Men's
Material Stainless Steel
Dial Matte Black 3-6-9 "Mk I"
Millimeters 36
Bracelet Rolex 78360 Oyster Bracelet W/ 580 End Pieces

CASE & BRACELET

The excellent case retains full and symmetrical lugs that show honest signs of light use with evidence of gentle polishing in the past. The smooth stainless steel bezel shows minimal signs of previous use. The Rolex 78360 Oyster bracelet with 580 end pieces is a later service unit that retains 10 links that show almost no stretch and will fit up to a 6.5-inch wrist.

DIAL & HANDS

The original matte black Mk. I "frog foot" dial is in exceptional vintage condition, showing no actual damage, with the only element of age being a very faint oil staining on the right side of the dial, which is barely visible to the naked eye. The tritium lume plots have achieved a creamy eggshell patina and exhibit no degradation when inspected under UV light. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly and show no notable degradation when inspected under UV light.

ACCESSORIES

None. The watch is keeping time, backed by our 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.