Jun 21, 2026
Description
Vintage. Comes with orig. period boxes but no papers.
The Rolex Explorer 1016 was in production from 1960 to 1989.
This is a very beautiful specimen from the dating to early 1963 with matching numbers and an unmolested gem for collectors not to be missed. Fresh to the market for the first time and kept by a collector for decades with no recent service history. The watch has not been polished and shows general surface wear as seen without major dents nor corrosion while u can spot some rust developed between the bezel and acrylic crystal due to trapped moisture. This should be addressed when you purchase it and we’ll conduct a full strip down and cleaning then reassemble the watch. It works and keeps time but a full overhaul is recommended and will be given free-of-charge upon request.
The bracelet is an authentic Oyster riveted style 58/7206 bracelet and is stamped “I 63”, dating it to 1st quarter of 1963. Upon opening the back cover, the inner side is stamped “I 63” as well which further affirms that the bracelet is the period correct piece fitted on this watch by the factory.
The black lacquered dial with radium lume and gilt print has aged to a very charming patina with matching hands but old re-lume that has turned olive drab. The movement shines and keeps within 15 secs a day which is fantastic for a six decades old watch that has outlived the Vietnam war, through the millennium bug and now AI age. All it needs is some TLC and a new owner who’ll cherish her.
1963 is the year when Martin Luther King delivers “I have a Dream” speech. On September 16 1963, Singapore gained independence from British rule and joins the Federation of Malaysia.
The Rolex Explorer 1 was one of the first “Sports” watch introduced by Rolex in the 1950s & made famous by the British Himalayas Expedition team where one member wore it to the peak of Mt Everest in 1953, the conquest was the first documented success for mankind & the Rolex Explorer was there to witness it.
3% discount for non-credit card payments. For international orders, we only accept a bank transfer and you do enjoy the 3% discount as well.
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