Rolex
*Unpolished* 1984 Rolex Explorer I (Ref. 1016) W/ Box & Booklet
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 sport 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 Rolexes longest produced watches, and these later production 1016 Rolex Explorer 1's have become highly collectible. Due to the simple fact that there weren't many manufactured. Collectors love these watches as they were the last of the Rolex watches produced with a matte black dial, well into the 80s, whereas the rest of the Rolex sports line switched to glossy lacquer with white gold surround lume plots. The Rolex Explorer I Ref. 1016 would make a great addition to an existing collection and offers the utmost versatility as a stand-alone piece. A perfect daily driver is suitable for any setting from casual to formal.
| Stock # | RLXEXP101684 | |
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Explorer I | |
| Model | 1016 | |
| Serial | 81XXXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | SS | |
| Dial | Matte Black 3-6-9 Dial | |
| Millimeters | 36mm | |
| Bracelet | Rolex Oyster 78360 Bracelet w/ 580 End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
The exceptional case remains unpolished, retaining its factory angles and finishing on top of the lugs. The case does show honest signs of use. The smooth stainless steel bezel is in wonderful unpolished condition as well and shows honest wear. The unpolished case back retains its original factory finishing. The original Rolex 78360 Oyster bracelet with 580 end pieces is in excellent unpolished condition, showing some light signs of use and retains 12 links with very little stretch.
DIAL & HANDS
The matte black "3-6-9" Explorer dial is immaculate, showing no imperfections or signs of aging. The tritium lume plots have achieved a subtle ivory coloration and exhibit no degradation under U.V. light inspection. The original tritium hands match the dial nicely and the minute hand shows some oxidation, under U.V. light inspection the hands show no degradation or lume loss under U.V. light inspection.
ACCESSORIES
The watch comes with original inner and outer boxes and Explorer booklet. The watch is keeping time within COSC spec, previous service history is unknown.