Rolex Explorer*** 1016 Last Series*** 1988
Rolex Explorer Ref. 1016
Serial: R889264
Circa: 1988
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 Jubilee bracelet 62510H/555 M5 (1988)
CONDITION REPORT: Excellent condition, the case is unpolished, but worn. Thed dial is excellent (late MK3 configuration matching this serial range) and although indexes look white, they are original tritium and typical of this series (verified visually and with UV light). The bracelet is crisp, long and worn, matching the case as well as the date code matching the year of the watch.
NOTES: 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.
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