Rolex explorer I ref 1016 gilt swiss underline tropical from 1963 ( stock paris heure )
Very beautiful Rolex explorer I ref 1016 gilt swiss underline tropical from 1963
Movement : Auto cal 1560
Reference: 1016
Diameter : 36mm
Year: 1963
Serial : 105XXXX
Case: Very nice case not too polished, still thick and with angles and lugs not too rounded because the case of the 1016 was thin enough for a professional watch. Bezel in good condition. No significant visible shocks.
Dial: Beautiful gilt dial with beautiful patinated indexes. Very rare transition dial with its swiss only marking and its small underline line which marks the transition from radium to less radioactive tritium. The gilt has very few surface scratches and remains in a good state of conservation and homogeneous patina of the indexes 3-6-9 and in addition begins to become tropical brown and perfect without bites or large blisters... The hands match the patina of origin. Very nice overall set.
Bracelet : Riveted steel endlink 58 marked 1.65
Accessories: None
Guarantee : All watches are guaranteed for 6 months for normal use. For vintage watches that are not waterproof, there is no guarantee of water resistance. In the caseof a water resistance problem linked to the non-screwing of the crown, the warranty is also void. In the case of shocks to the watch, the warranty is void. Normal use only qualifies for the 6-month warranty.
Description
Our opinion: The explorer ref 1016 appeared in the 60's, and different versions were produced: matte, lacquered, white dial... A true collector's item, so hard to find today. This one has a beautiful patina. The case is in good condition, its ultra-rare transitional gilt swiss only underline dial is very well preserved and a beautiful tropical brown patina is forming! The watch is in its original condition with its period riveted bracelet and is one of the very first series produced in 1963 during Rolex's highly sought-after luminescent transition period !!!! So rare to find today that they are now worth as much as the Submariner!
Brand
Rolex
Rolex is one of the world's most renowned watch brands, famous for its prestige, quality and innovation.
The beginnings (1905-1920)
Rolex was founded in 1905 in London by Hans Wilsdorf and his brother-in-law Alfred Davis. The company was initially called Wilsdorf & Davis, and it imported Swiss watch movements which it then had assembled and sold in London. In 1908, Hans Wilsdorf registered the trademark "Rolex", a name he found easy to pronounce and remember in different languages.
Innovation and success (1920-1940)
Rolex quickly established its reputation through its innovations, including the development of the first waterproof wristwatch, the "Oyster", in 1926. This watch was touted as a revolutionary product and received significant media attention, notably when the Swimmer Mercedes Gleitze wore an Oyster during her English Channel crossing.
In the 1930s, Rolex continued to innovate with iconic models, such as the Rolex Prince, which introduced rectangular dials, and the Datejust in 1945, which is considered the first automatic watch to display the date.
The era of divers and explorers (1950-1980)
In the 1950s, Rolex benefited from its association with exploration and adventure. Models like the Submariner, launched in 1953, and the GMT-Master, created in collaboration with Pan Am for pilots, became symbols of this era. These watches were not only stylish, but also designed to withstand extreme environments, cementing Rolex's reputation as a manufacturer of rugged and precise watches.
The rise to luxury (1980–present)
Over the decades, Rolex has become synonymous with luxury and social status. Rolex watches are often worn by famous people and are considered one of the best investments in watches. The brand has focused on artisanal quality, with rigorous control of each piece produced.
Rolex has also been at the forefront of the watch industry by introducing high-precision automatic movements and developing innovative materials such as Everose gold and cerachrom for bezels.
Philanthropic commitment
In addition to its watchmaking heritage, Rolex is engaged in various philanthropic initiatives, notably through the Rolex Awards for Enterprise, which supports innovative projects in different fields, such as science, environment and culture.
Conclusion
Today, Rolex is more than just a watch brand; it embodies a symbol of success and accomplishment. With over a century of innovation and a commitment to excellence, Rolex continues to fascinate watch enthusiasts around the world.
