Why This Watch Matters

This Rolex Explorer ref. 1016 comes with a beautiful even lume and a Mark 1 matte dial with the coveted 'Frog's Foot' coronet.

The Full Story

Rolex Explorer ref. 1016 is truly a utilitarian design that zeroes in on what matters and eliminates the rest, and we can trace its roots all the way back to 1953. This dial design with the luminous Arabic 3-6-9 remains clearly featured in Explorer models of today. Stylistically, while it was issued as a tool watch, the overall aesthetics were slim and fairly compact. It was fitted in a 36mm stainless steel Oyster case for maximum protection and a smooth bezel for a polished look, which made it easier to wear in many occasions compared to other sport watches with thicker cases and beefier bezels.

Rolex issued several dial configurations throughout the years of production, which ended in 1989. The example we have here is referred to as the Mark 1 matte dial. Its noticeable feature is the shape of the coronet at 12 o'clock. The shape of the coronet has evolved throughout the years, and this one has 5 short and wide-set spikes with round tips at the end and is, hence, referred to as a "Frog's Foot." With the stylized coronet on the top, the text on this watch is small, concise, and well-balanced. The lume is clean and even on the dial in a subtle pale yellow, which pops against the soft black dial, providing that look you want with a vintage piece. The Explorer truly covers all bases from an adventure out in the wild to a quick run to your local coffee shop. It will look great on your wrist wherever life takes you.

The Fine Print

Maker: Rolex
Model: Explorer
Reference: 1016
Year: 1969
Case No: 2153662
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 36mm diameter;12.8mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Yes, tritium
Caliber: Rolex, self-winding, caliber 1570
Bracelet/Strap: Rolex Oyster stainless steel No. 78360 bracelet with No. 580 end links
Lug Width: 20mm
Box/Papers: No

What we Love and What You Should Know

The watch is overall in attractive vintage condition. The case shows some light scratches and appears to have been lightly polished with the integrity of the case all intact. The caseback is stamped "II.69" which is for the second quarter of 1969 which matches the production date based on the case serial. The dial condition is in excellent condition with the lume in an even gorgeous pale yellow color. The patina of the lume on the hands is a near match to the one on the dial, which makes the watch more compelling. The bracelet is a later solid link Oyster bracelet marked "H" on the clasp, indicating that it is from 1983. The case, dial, movement, and crown are signed. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.