Rolex Explorer 1016 Tropical Box & Papers

This Rolex Explorer 1016 is very special due to its tropical dial, box, papers and the original riveted steel bracelet.

The Rolex Explorer is synonymous with a watch that can withstand extreme conditions. Rolex has been testing its watches on Himalayan expeditions since the 1930s. The goal was a precise time measurement at -20 degrees Celsius and with 70% less oxygen than at sea level. In 1953 Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Mount Everest with a Rolex on the wrist. Rolex grasped the excellent marketing opportunity and launched the Explorer. First as reference 6298 and in 1963 as reference 1016, which was manufactured until 1989.

Here we offer you an early Rolex Explorer 1016 from 1964. The special feature of this watch is the tropical dial. The dial originally had a glossy black surface. As a result of sunlight and other influences the dial gained these unique caramel-colored gradients - don't forget this watch is almost 60 years old. The combination of the tropical discoloration and the gilt font color creates a unique, warm look for the dial.

The hour markers and hands still contain the original tritium. After 1963, the year the Explorer 1016 was released, it was forbidden by law to use radioactive radium as a luminous material in dials. Rolex, like many other watch manufacturers, switched to tritium. This Explorer therefore bears the imprint "SWISS T <25" at 6 o'clock, which means that the tritium used has a radioactivity of up to 25 millicuries. The stainless steel case is in very good condition with slight signs of wear. The case back is screwed. The Explorer is powered by the automatic caliber 1560, which is in excellent condition and provides precise timekeeping.

This Rolex Explorer 1016 comes with a riveted stainless steel bracelet with a matching date in the clasp: 4/64 (fourth quarter 1964). These bracelets are extremely rare and highly in demand. The original chronometer certificate accompanies this Rolex Explorer. The watch was sold on March 8, 1966 in San Sebastian, Spain. The old original watch rate certificate with the corresponding serial number is included. There are also the original presentation box and the outer box.

This historically important Rolex model has a unique Tropical dial, original accessories and a rare bracelet - a superlative vintage collector's item.

Serial number: 1053xxx (1964)

Int.Exe.: 1652035