𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀
Simple time-only functionality housed in a robust stainless steel case, the vintage Rolex 1016 Explorer watch is a favorite reference among vintage Rolex watch collectors.

Quietly assertive without any of the flashy in-your-face approach of some other Rolex sports watches, the Explorer 1016 may have been positioned as a watch to scale mountains, but it’s a great everyday Rolex watch to wear today.

As the story goes, Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary went down in history as the first people to successfully reach Mount Everest’s peak. Along for the ride was the Rolex Oyster – aka the “Pre-Explorer” – which was a prototype of what would eventually become the Explorer mountaineer’s watch.

It featured a Bubbleback case to accommodate the thick movement inside and was not equipped with the famous 3/6/9 dial configuration.

The climbers’ historic feat proved on the world stage that Rolex Oyster cases are tough and can withstand some of the most extreme environments on Earth.

To celebrate, Rolex released the Explorer later that year in 1953 with an improved crown and the same domed case back. A handful of these “Bubbleback” references preceded ref. 1016, including 6098, 6298, 6150, and 6350.

𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

• RolexVintage Explorer
• Ref: 1016
• 36mm
• Automatic.
• Stainless steel case with solid caseback.
• Original MK 6 black gilt dial with aged tritium markers and hands.
• Original dial and hands condition, un-touched.
• Acrylic crystal.
• Fixed stainless steel smooth bezel.
• Original stainless steel bracelet marked 7206.
• Clasp code 67.
• 1.49 mil series circa 1966-67.
• Box and papers undated
• Double papers.