Rolex Explorer, Reference 1016 | A stainless steel wristwatch with "upside down case" and bracelet, Circa 1963 | 勞力士 | Explorer 型號1016 | 精鋼鏈帶腕錶，約1963年製
Rolex
Explorer, Reference 1016
A stainless steel wristwatch with "upside down case" and bracelet, Circa 1963
勞力士
Explorer 型號1016
精鋼鏈帶腕錶，約1963年製
Dial: gilt
Calibre: cal. 1560 automatic, 26 jewels
Case: stainless steel, screw down case back
Case number: 901'919
Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp
Size: 36 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 175 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Accessories: Rolex Guarantee and presentation box
附帶證書及盒子Rolex Rolex Explorer, Reference 1016 | A stainless steel wristwatch with "upside down case" and bracelet, Circa 1963 | 勞力士 | Explorer 型號1016 | 精鋼鏈帶腕錶，約1963年製
Explorer, Reference 1016 | A stainless steel wristwatch with "upside down case" and bracelet, Circa 1963 | 勞力士 | Explorer 型號1016 | 精鋼鏈帶腕錶，約1963年製
Estimate:
160,000 - 240,000 HKD Lot sold:
277,200
HKD Rolex
Explorer, Reference 1016
A stainless steel wristwatch with "upside down case" and bracelet, Circa 1963
勞力士
Explorer 型號1016
精鋼鏈帶腕錶，約1963年製
Dial: gilt
Calibre: cal. 1560 automatic, 26 jewels
Case: stainless steel, screw down case back
Case number: 901'919
Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp
Size: 36 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 175 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Accessories: Rolex Guarantee and presentation box
附帶證書及盒子 Condition report
The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The plexi glass with minor surface wear. The lumes on both hands and indexes has faded into an ivory color with wear, still reacts under the UV light. Some of the lumes are lacing. The hour hand has caused a circular ring at the centre of the dial. The dial with minor wear between 1 and 3 o'clock and still gives a reading under the Geiger counter. The case back with minor scuff marks from the bracelet. The bracelet with minor surface wear throughout. Otherwise the watch is in very good overall condition considering its age. Please also note that the watch features an unusual 'upside down case', where the reference number is engraved at 6 o'clock and the case number is at 12 o'clock.
Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts.
You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band.
Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue. When Sherpa Tenzing Norgay summited Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953, the first men to ever accomplish the feat, strapped to both men’s wrists were Rolex watches. To commemorate the achievement, Rolex named the reference Norgay wore the ‘Explorer’. 10 years later, the reference 1016 was launched and marked the longest standing reference in the range and in Rolex history, produced until 1989. The Explorer today is a fan favorite due to its understated design and clean aesthetic, with a small and smooth case without rotating bezel and time-only functionality. The generous application of radium made the watch extremely legible but also contributed to the distinctive dial design and today all Rolexes with Arabic numerals at 3,6,9 are called ‘Explorer’ dials.
The present watch is an early example of the reference 1016, with the correct radium gilt dial. The glossiness of the lacquer on the dial is attractive to look at and to own an early example of a reference of such longevity will entice any collector. What is also interesting about this watch is that it features a 'upside down case', where the reference number is engraved at 6 o'clock and the serial number at 12 o'clock. Still retaining its original expandable Oyster bracelet, the present example is in very nice quality.
