share_24x24.pnginstagram_24x24.pngfacebook_24x24.pngtwitter_24x24.pngpinterest_24x24.png
Rolex Explorer*** 1016 Last Series*** B&P 1989
Rolex Explorer Ref. 1016, Last Series, Box & Papers (Bucherer)
Serial: L216794
Circa: 1989
Reference No: 1016

DIAL: Black matte ‘Explorer’ dial with 3-6-9 and baton luminous hour markers.

MOVEMENT: Caliber 1570, self-winding mechanical movement with 26 jewels

CASE: 36mm, stainless steel with smooth bezel, acrylic glass

BRACLET: Stainless Steel Rolex Oyster 78360/580 date code N4 (1989)

CONDITION REPORT: Excellent condition, the case is unpolished, but worn. Thed dial is excellent and although indexes look white, they are original tritium and typical of this series (verified visually and with UV light). The bracelet is crisp and matching the case as well as the date code matching the year of the watch.
The caseback reference sticker is still on the back and reference 1016 still visible.

NOTES: This watch includes its original punched papers from Bucherer in Switzerland dated 1989 as well as its box.

The Rolex Explorer, reference 1016, as it was recently pointed out to us, is the brand's longest running reference having been produced for close to 30 years, from 1960 to 1989.
The historic ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay on May 29, 1953, marked a pivotal moment in exploration. During this iconic journey, Hillary adorned a Smith's watch and a Rolex Oyster, while Norgay sported a Rolex reference 6350.
Interestingly, during the Everest climb, Rolex had not yet introduced a watch explicitly marketed as the Explorer. However, the foresight of Rolex became evident when, on January 26th of the same year, the company registered the name "Explorer" as a trademark in Geneva. In a twist of fate, after the triumphant conquest of Everest, Rolex decided to honor the achievement by designating the reference 6350 worn by Tenzing Norgay as the official "Explorer."
This decision proved to be the inception of the Rolex Explorer model line. The association of the Explorer name with the remarkable feat of conquering the world's highest peak solidified its place in Rolex's storied history. The Explorer series has since become synonymous with durability, precision, and the spirit of adventure, embodying the essence of exploration and conquering new frontiers.

SOLD