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Hello!
Kaneko from Commit Ginza here to introduce a recommended timepiece! Continuing from our last post, today we have a Ref. 1016 with a tropical mirror dial!!
Rolex Explorer Tropical Mirror Dial, All Tritium
Ref. 1016, Serial 1.2 million (manufactured around 1965-66)
Accessories: Watch only
Cal. 1560, FF58/7206, Clasp code 66.1, Case back 65.4
SOLD OUT!!
The piece I'm introducing today features the rare mirror dial that existed on models manufactured up until around 1967.
The mirror dial, with its lustrous, glass-like shine, has a unique sheen that emerges from the jet-black background—it’s truly captivating, isn't it?
Many mirror dials have lost their luster over time, so it's become truly rare to find an example that still retains such beautiful, original shine.
Considering it's a vintage model that has weathered over half a century, it’s not often that you come across a mirror dial in such good condition!
Among vintage Rolexes, this is a rare dial that is overwhelmingly scarce on the market and continues to boast high popularity!!
This specific piece is a "tropical" mirror dial, where the original jet-black has aged into a sublime brown.
The way the deep brown hues emerge while still retaining hints of black, depending on how the light hits it, is simply indescribable!!
The luster remains beautifully preserved, and the combination with the gold lettering is exceptional!! This is a timepiece where you can fully enjoy the one-of-a-kind aging that only a vintage piece with such a long history can offer.
Even among tropical dials, no two look the same; this particular color and the way it has aged make it truly a one-of-a-kind piece!!
On this specific unit, the brown aging is more pronounced around the minute track near the 3 o'clock position; this uneven aging gives it that distinct, superb vintage character!
I really want you to hold the actual piece in your hands to see this incredibly brilliant and beautiful mirror finish for yourself!!
The luster is truly top-class!!
While the dial shows some signs of aging near the outer edge—visible upon close inspection—it remains in overall excellent condition.
The luminescence is all-tritium. The index plots are in fantastic condition with no visible chips, and the hand lume is also in good shape.
The condition shows signs of use commensurate with its age, but the case and bracelet are both solid and make a great impression.
As you can see, the middle case, in particular, is in wonderful condition with no excessive thinning!
A rivet bracelet is an essential detail for a model of this era!!
The buckle hallmark is consistent with the first quarter of 1966!
The rivet bracelet has some slight dents and very natural stretch, but it remains a solid, sturdy bracelet!
What a great look it has.
Wrist shot!!
A glossy tropical mirror dial with one-of-a-kind aging!!
It's an absolutely spectacular piece!
Vintage Explorer "Ref. 1016 / 1966"
The more you look at this tropical mirror dial, the more its character and charm reveal themselves! The parts are fully consistent, and both the dial luster and case condition are flawless. You’ll want to secure a beautiful mirror dial like this while you still can! It has also been fully overhauled at our partner workshop. For those searching for a 1016 tropical mirror dial with that one-of-a-kind aging, please do consider this piece.
