This Explorer is in overall great vintage condition consistent with its age. The case is in good condition with normal signs of wear. The caseback is stamped "1016" and "1.66", serial and reference numbers are visible. The dial has remained glossy and has developed some patina and light wear. It has a light drag mark (from 12-1) that can be hard to notice depending on the lighting. The lume has aged to an attractive pale yellow. The hands have developed light patina; the lume on the hands match the lum on the dial. This Oyster Rivet 7206 bracelet has 10 links and no. 80 end links. The back of the clasp is stamped "1.68" indicating it is from 1968. The bracelet is in great condition with some normal wear and some stretch between the links which is not uncommon.
Rolex introduced the 1016 Explorer in 1959 and it was in production until 1989 making it one of the longest running produced references from the brand. At the beginning of the run Rolex made the dials glossy and then switched to the matte style around 1966. The example we have here has a beautiful glossy dial and is from 1966, so it would have been the last variation of the glossy dial before Rolex did the switch to the matte version. The watch we have here is in lovely condition and is fresh to market coming from the original family. It even comes with "Double Punched" papers. This means it has the guarantee with the serial perforated into the papers and the chronometer certificate with the corresponding punched numbers. When looking closely at the chronometer papers the movement number written corresponds to the one in the watch, we love when the little details line up!
Finding glossy, gilt 1016's is getting harder and harder everyday, especially ones with the papers, so we are pleased to offer this one. The lume has all aged to a pleasing pale yellow color that just pops against the glossy black background. The gilt colored text has remained vibrant and also looks great surrounded by the glossy black dial. The inside caseback on this watch is dated II.66, the case serial number lines up to circa 1966 and the bracelet is stamped "1/67" so everything checks out which is always nice. Oftentimes these original bracelets get worn out and lost over the years, but when they are still in good shape and fully intact it just completes the look and feel of these vintage Explorers.
This vintage Rolex Explorer is absolutely gorgeous. Love the look, feel, and history.
Nice watch! As per described
I have been searching for this model with the Jubilee bracelet for a long time. Bob's had the right watch at the right price. Purchased online. No issues and received quickly.
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