The Ref. 1016 established the basic design of the Explorer and became a long-selling watch with 30 years of production. It is considered a masterpiece of vintage Rolex and is still highly popular today as a practical watch suitable for daily use.
They are divided into early, early and late models depending on the production period and the movement they are equipped with.
Due to the extremely long production period of approximately 30 years, various minor changes have been made during that time, and rare models are traded at high prices.
An elegant and beautiful appearance not found in current Rolexes
From the early days until the beginning of 1966, the models had mirror dials, while the models after that had matte dials. In addition to being mirror dials, early models also feature a gold-painted logo with "gold letters" and a circle called a "minute circle" engraved on the dial. On the other hand, in the late 1980s, the vintage look fades considerably and the appearance becomes much closer to the current model. The big difference between the two dials, matte and mirror, is "aging." The former discolors slightly, but it is minor. The main difference between individual models is the "burning of the luminous material." In contrast, the price of the latter is directly determined by the condition of the dial. Therefore, mirror dials that retain their luster are very rare and extremely popular! Furthermore, it is safe to say that you will not regret buying one in good condition. Commit Ginza is currently selling two such mirror dials in good condition. Although there are some individual differences, they are from the same manufacturing year. Now, let's introduce each Ref. 1016.
Pay attention to the exquisite jet black dial
Rolex Explorer Mirror Dial All Tritium
Ref.1016 Serial.15 (manufactured around 1966)
Accessories: Box (non-OEM pillow)
Cal.1560 Case back (Ⅳ 66) US rivet bracelet Clasp code 77
Retail price sold out
The movement is Cal.1560 without hacking function. It comes with a US-made rivet bracelet (clasp code 77). The dial and hands are luminous with tritium, and the overall appearance is good.
【situation】
While there are many individual differences in the gloss (mirror) of the dial, and many watches show signs of deterioration, the dial of this watch has a beautiful mirror (gloss) that is still in good condition, so we recommend it. The engraving on the back cover (IV 66) and the serial number indicate the correct age. There are small scratches and fine marks due to use.
In addition to all accessories, it is equipped with a rivet bracelet in good condition.
Rolex Explorer Mirror Dial
Ref.1016M Serial.1****** (manufactured around 1966)
Accessories: Warranty card, box, booklet, pass case
Cal.1560 Case back engraved (Ⅳ 66) Rivet bracelet 7206 (clasp engraved 266)
Retail price sold out
The movement is Cal.1570 without hack function. It comes with Flash Fit 80 and a rivet bracelet 7206 (clasp engraved 2 66) in very good condition. The engraved (IV 66) on the back cover and the serial number indicate that it is dated.
【situation】
While there are many individual differences in the gloss (mirror) of the dial and it is relatively prone to deterioration, this dial has a beautiful mirror (gloss) and there is no loss of luminous material on the dial or hands, so we recommend it. There are some fine scratches and small marks due to use, but the overall balance is good.
summary
One of the features of the "Explorer I" from the Ref. 1016 era is the 36mm case diameter, the same as the high-end "Datejust" Ref. 1601. When lined up next to sports watches from the same era, you can see that it is quite small. This size is well suited to the wrists of Japanese people, and is one of the reasons why it is so popular.
As an aside, it is true that many celebrities also wear the Ref. 1016. These include Takuya Kimura, Masahiro Nakai, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, Tomoya Nagase, Satoshi Ohno from Arashi , Takanori Jinnai, Masatoshi Hamada from Downtown, Takashi Tsukamoto, TAKAHIRO from EXILE, MATSU, and many more.
If you can find the "Ref. 1016" that suits your taste, it may become a family heirloom, not just a lifetime purchase. Or, you can enjoy it more simply as a fashion item. Please come to Commit Ginza to see the real thing.