No. 2561 – A truly superb masterpiece! Featuring stunning luster and exquisite tropical aging, we present the early-model Circle Mirror Rolex Explorer 1016 (1960) with all-original tritium!

Hello! This is Kaneko from Commit Ginza, and I would like to introduce a recommended vintage timepiece! Today, we are featuring a rare, evolved-dial vintage Explorer!!

Rolex Explorer All Tritium
Ref.1016 Serial.51 series (Manufactured around 1960)
Accessories: Watch only
Cal.1560 FF58/7206 Clasp Code 64.3 Caseback 60.2
SOLD OUT!!

This is a long-selling model that was produced for approximately 30 years, from around 1959 to 1990, during which time various design changes were made, including those to the dial.

The piece we are introducing today is a special one, hailing from the very beginning of that long history!!

It features a rare "circle mirror dial" that you rarely come across on the market today!!

This individual piece is an early version of the mirror dial, known as the "Chapter Ring," "Circle Mirror," or "MM Dial." Produced until around 1964, it features a track-like minute circle printed along the outer edge of the dial.

The addition of the circle enhances its vintage character, giving it a much more classical impression!!

Lately, it seems that mirror dials are appearing on the market less frequently,
and specifically, the circle mirror is a rare dial that we seldom get in stock.

Mirror dials often exhibit significant individual differences in their glossy finish.

Furthermore, it feels like many MM dials have lost their luster over time, but this particular piece retains a stunning, exceptionally glossy mirror dial.

The shimmering, high-gloss mirror surface combined with the gold lettering and the circle makes this an incredibly cool piece!

And, what can be called the greatest appeal of this piece is its tropical dial!!

Due to aging, it has shifted from black to brown, and the unique expression it takes on—looking bronze when light hits it—is simply irresistible!!

Depending on the angle and how the light hits it, it reveals various shades of black, brown, and bronze, and combined with the luster unique to mirror dials, it has an incredible atmosphere.

The high-gloss mirror dial paired with this one-of-a-kind tropical aging is absolutely magnificent!!

While there are some very minor scratches on the dial, it maintains wonderful condition for a piece manufactured around 1959.

Honestly, this dial condition is highly attractive.

The state and patina of the luminous indices are also wonderful!!

The luminous material is all tritium.
The hour and minute hands were replaced in later years, but the atmosphere remains perfectly intact.
The reaction of the luminous material under UV light matches the indices perfectly!

Regarding condition, there are scuffs and scratches consistent with its age, but the case and bracelet are very solid.

The case condition is good, and it has certainly not been over-polished!!

A mirror dial just wouldn't be complete without this rivet bracelet!!

The buckle features the crown "debeso" (protruding) logo! It has a lot of character!! The clasp is dated to the 3rd quarter of 1964!

Although the later bracelet shows signs of use and natural stretching, it sits very comfortably on the wrist.

I really want you to see this in person!! It looks remarkably cool in real life.

Wrist shot!!
This shows the pattern where the black tones appear stronger.

And when the light hits it, it shifts instantly into a bronze color!!
This color, this luster, this patina... it is simply irresistible for vintage lovers!!

Vintage Explorer Ref.1016 Early Circle Mirror 1959
This is a highly recommended vintage model with a fantastic mirror dial condition! 1016s with good mirror dials are increasingly scarce, and we rarely get one in stock that has aged into such a beautiful tropical, high-gloss circle mirror! It will be posted on our website after maintenance at our partner workshop! If you are looking for an exceptionally cool circle mirror, please consider this one.