830
Rolex
Ref. 1016, inner caseback stamped I.72
Explorer
A fine and rare stainless steel wristwatch with sweep center seconds and bracelet
- Estimate
- HK$80,000 - 120,000€9,200 - 13,800$10,000 - 15,000
HK$118,750
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- 1972
- Reference No
- 1016, inner caseback stamped I.72
- Case No
- 2’989’841
- Model Name
- Explorer
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel Rolex bracelet, stamped 7836, endlinks stamped 380, max length 190 mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp
- Dimensions
- 36 mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, bracelet and movement signed
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
As the popular saying goes: “The watch makes the man.” Ian Fleming, an Egnlish author best known for his James Bond series of novels, not only wrote that his James Bond character sported a Rolex, but Fleming himself, in fact, wore a stainless steel Rolex Explorer ref. 1016. One of the most popular vintage sports models, the ref. 1016 is today highly coveted by Rolex collectors around the world as it impeccably combines athletic look and fine proportions.
Featuring a Matte dial, the present watch displays a robust appearance unmissable by watch enthusiasts. The example here was made in 1972, further evidenced by the inner inscription I.72. More importantly, the case is in excellent condition, and the lugs are well preserved. The dial is preserved in overall excellent condition. The luminous materials have developed a creamy patina which is very fine looking. The reference 1016 was replaced by the reference 14270 in 1989, marking the end of plexiglass crystals for the Explorer line.
Featuring a Matte dial, the present watch displays a robust appearance unmissable by watch enthusiasts. The example here was made in 1972, further evidenced by the inner inscription I.72. More importantly, the case is in excellent condition, and the lugs are well preserved. The dial is preserved in overall excellent condition. The luminous materials have developed a creamy patina which is very fine looking. The reference 1016 was replaced by the reference 14270 in 1989, marking the end of plexiglass crystals for the Explorer line.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.
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