Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer 1984 Ref 1016 36mm Gents Vintage Watch, Serviced
A superb example of the iconic Rolex Explorer reference 1016, dating to 1984, presented in honest and original condition. The watch has been professionally serviced by a Rolex specialist watchmaker and is in excellent running order, ready to be worn and enjoyed by the avid explorer. The watch retains its original matte black tritium dial, which has aged beautifully, developing a warm, even patina across the hour markers. The characteristic 3-6-9 Arabic numerals remain crisp and well-defined, with the classic inverted triangle at 12 o’clock. The dial is correctly signed SWISS – T < 25, denoting tritium lume of the period. As expected for original tritium, the lume no longer reacts under ultraviolet light, which is entirely normal and consistent with untouched examples of this age often preferred by collectors over later service replacements. Importantly, the watch is fitted with its original Mercedes hands, which match the dial nicely, showing consistent ageing and patina always a key point for collectors seeking originality. The case remains strong with well-defined lugs, showing only light signs of wear commensurate with age, and retains the classic proportions that have made the 1016 one of the most wearable vintage sports Rolex models. It is accompanied by its original Rolex Oyster bracelet, which remains in very good condition with minimal stretch for its age, completing the watch as a highly desirable, all-original example. The bracelet fits a wrist circumference up-to 7.5inches, can be adjusted down to a smaller sizes within the clasp or by removing links. Powered by the reliable Rolex automatic calibre 1570 movement, the Explorer was designed as a true tool watch robust, legible, and built for extremes famously associated with mountaineering heritage. A fantastic opportunity to acquire a late-production 1016 with original dial, hands, and bracelet examples like this are becoming increasingly difficult to source. The Original Dial: Signed Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified Swiss - T < 25. The matt black dial has aged luminous baton markers with Arabic numerals to the quarters. The periphery of the dial features an outer chapter ring with minute indices. Elegant and complete steel ‘Mercedes’ lume filled minute and hour hands match well with the rest of the dial. The steel centre seconds “lollipop” sweep hand remains original, with lume that has aged consistently, matching the dial markers well. The dial presents in superb condition for its age, with only minor age-related micro marks visible under 4x loupe magnification entirely consistent with an original example of this period. Please observe photographs carefully. The Original Movement: Signed Rolex Perpetual Patented SA Geneva Swiss 26 Jewels numbered D580110. In any field, be it vintage wristwatches, period motorcars or antique fishing reels, there are definite classics that are universally acknowledged to be key units that are of the utmost historical significance. The movement in this watch calibre 1570, Rolex’s automatic movement, fits into this revered category perfectly, and is, without doubt, one of the most important mechanism that the company has ever created. In good condition keeping accurate time, serviced by a Rolex specialist watchmaker. The Original Case: Very clean with polished finish. Sharp lugs in great condition. Case is 36mm without the crown, 38mm with the crown, and 20mm between the lugs. Serial numbered 807***** between lugs at ‘6’ dating to 1984 on the Rolex date register in line with the case stamp furthermore numbered 1016 between the lugs at ‘12’. Steel chamfered factory bezel. Case and bezel have hairline surface scratches associated with base metals commensurate with everyday wear and age. Has been previously carefully polished to a good standard. In overall good solid condition. The Original Case Back Cover Inner: Signed Montres Rolex SA Geneva Switzerland Stainless Steel 1016. Period service markers present - In good condition. The Original Case Back Cover Outer: Polished milled edge cover has surface scratches associated with base metals commensurate with age and wear. Cover fits flush and screws without any issues. Original Crown/Winder: Signed with the Rolex coronet and dash in relief. In good working order. The Original Crystal: Plexiglass is in good condition for age. Original Rolex Oyster Bracelet: Signed Rolex Steelinox (code stamped) ‘I’ dating to 1984. Numbered 78360 with end links correctly stamped 580. Fits a gents wrist circumference up-to 7.5 inches can be adjusted to a smaller size within the clasp or by removing links. The bracelet has been polished to a good standard and has surface scratches commensurate with age and wear. *Please observe photographs carefully as they form part of the description* Please note this Rolex is over 42 years. Shipping DHL insured registered post World wide. Buyer responsible for any taxes or duties due which may delay or hold up your shipment at destination port.
