Revolution: The Evolution of the Role...

New York, Apr 17, 2008

LOT 98

Ref. 1016 - Explorer Bundeswehr Rolex, ?Oyster Perpetual, Explorer, Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified?, Ref. 1016. Made in 1976, case back engraved for the German Bundeswehr. Fine, center seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel wristwatch with a stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet. Accompanied by a decommission paper dated February 2, 1982 and Rolex correspondence.

USD 28,000 - 34,000

EUR 19,000 - 23,000

Sold: USD 45,600

C. Three-body, polished and brushed, screw-down case back and crown, case back engraved with German military numbers. D. Black with luminous Arabic numerals and baton indexes, outer minute/seconds divisions. Luminous steel skeleton hands. M. Cal. 1570, rhodium-plated, 26 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures and 5 positions, shock absorber, self-compensating free-sprung Breguet balance spring, Microstella regulating screws, hack mechanism. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 36 mm. Thickness 13 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3-9

Good

Scratched
Movement: 2

Very good
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

Rolex watches have been the first companion of choice for many special units, from British commandos to French Marines to South African Special Forces. The classic models were the Submariners A 6538 (lot 160), 5513 (lot 175) and 5517 (lot 176), but also Tudors reference 9401 (lot 142) as well as others. The German Luftwaffe (Air Force) were looking for watches to equip their pilots in the late 1970s to help them navigate at night. The German military had ordered 175 Mcdonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom and were in search of a watch that was discreet but also had great readability in dark cockpits. After some research they decided that the Rolex Explorer was the perfect tool for that goal and ordered approximately 100 pieces. This particular model was delivered in 1979 and decommissioned in 1982. It is the first time that a military issue Explorer 1016 has ever appeared at auction and it is exceptional to find an example still accompanied by its decommission paper. This model could be considered the last truly military- issued Rolex.