Passions Watch Exchange

About This Watch

Vintage. No box/papers. Yes, this is the famous Ref.1016 Explorer 1 that started the mania for collecting sports watches but unfortunately, almost forgotten by now & it has been very rare, seldom appearing in the local market. We've not even seen one for several years now. This is a very beautiful period Explorer 1 Ref.1016 that has been in the possession of a Japanese collector for over a decade but it has been carefully used since. Although the pictures shows a black L/strap fitted, the watch is sold with an original steel bracelet in very good condition. The case is in excellent condition with faint signs of corrosion on the inner lid of back cover only but otherwise, virtually rust free. The serial no dates it back to 1962 while the inner back cover is stamped with "VI 66" which means the last few months of 66.

This watch has been known to us for the past 5 years and we installed a set of new-old-stock dial & hands that you see here several years ago. The watch works well & will be a pleasure to wear & collect for many years to come.

The Rolex Explorer 1 is one of the first "Sports" watch introduced by Rolex in the 1950s & made famous by the British Himalayas Expedition team where one member wore it to the peak of Mt Everest in 1953, the conquest was the first success for mankind & the Rolex Explorer was there to witness it.