100 Years of Wristwatches

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Nov 19, 2000

LOT 291

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 'Explorer', Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified, Ref. 1016. Production ofthis reference started in 1960's.Fine tonneau-shaped, water-resistant, center second, self-winding, stainless steel gentleman's wristwatch.Accompanied by a stainless steel Oyster bracelet.

CHF 4,000 - 5,000

USD 2,200 - 2,800

Sold: CHF 6,670

C. three-body, polished and brushed, screwed down case back and crown. D. black with tritium-coated Arabicnumerals and indexes. 'Skeleton' tritium-coated hands. M. Cal. 1570, rhodium plated, 26 jewels, leverescapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures and 5 positions, shock-absorber, self-compensatingBreguet balance-spring.Dial, case, and movement signed. Diam. 35 mm.


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Grading System
Case: 4

Fair
Movement: 4*

Fair

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 1 - 01

Notes

Collectors' interest for watches with an Explorer dial has been growing ever since circa 1950, with Reference number6298. The Explorer was described as 'the reinforced Rolex'. It has been used in the Arctic, the Himalayas and theTropics. Designed to be accurate under the toughest out-of-door conditions. The next generation of this model bearsReference number 1016. Another version was launched with Reference number 1655 in the 1970's, lasting until 1982,and followed by Reference number 16550 from 1983 to 1988. This model was called 'Explorer II' (also called 'SteveMc Queen' by collectors). Created for speleologists, the additional red hand helps the user to distinguish nocturnalfrom diurnal hours. The latest models were produced with Reference number 16570 and 14270, in the early 1990's.Similar watches are published in 'Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches', by Osvaldo Patrizzi, GUIDO MONDANI Editore,Genova, 1998, page 256, 258 and 275.