1953 was quite a year for Rolex. The Explorer, Submariner and Turn-O-Graph all made their debut, introducing a new generation of purpose-built tool watches that would become some of the most iconic timepieces ever produced. The Explorer was the simplest of the trio — and arguably one of the purest.

The Explorer has quietly become the ultimate “one-watch” Rolex. It doesn’t shout for attention, yet it looks right in almost every situation. The ref. 1016, produced for an incredible 29 years between 1960 and 1989, is the watch that defines the model: a perfectly proportioned 36 mm case, a clean no-date dial and timeless styling that never goes out of fashion.

Presented here is a wonderful example from 1981. The Oyster case remains in lovely condition and is complemented by a crisp, smooth bezel.

The Mk V matte dial has been beautifully preserved and displays a soft, buttery-yellow patina across both the tritium hour plots and matching hands, giving the watch exactly the warm vintage character collectors appreciate.

The watch is fitted with its correct solid-link Oyster bracelet, ref. 78360, with 501B end links and a clasp stamped V2. Fully serviced by our watchmaker, this timeless Explorer is ready for its next adventure.

The ultimate one-watch collection starts here!

P.S. A little side note: while James Bond famously wore the Submariner in the films, the Bond of Ian Fleming’s novels wore an Explorer — mirroring Fleming himself, who was known to wear a ref. 1016!

Specifications:

Rolex Reference 1016 Explorer
36mm steel case, smooth bezel, plexi-crystal
Serial 674xxxx dating to 1981
MK5 matte dial with yellow patina
Oyster bracelet reference 78360 with 501B end links
Fully serviced by our watchmaker
One-year mechanical warranty
Free worldwide Fedex Priority shipping

Rolex Explorer 1016 MK5 Matte Dial

Rolex Explorer 1016 MK5 Matte Dial

Before/after