Rolex - WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century New York Thursday, October 26, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1966
    Reference No: 1016
    Movement No: 98’992
    Case No: 1’376’421, interior stamped II.66
    Model Name: Explorer
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel riveted Oyster bracelet, stamped 7206, end links stamped 80, max. length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Rolex folding deployant clasp stamped 3.65
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Accessories: Accompanied by original Rolex guarantee, chronometer papers and presentation boxes.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Simplicity is often the most elegant form of design, and Rolex’s Explorer is one of the brand’s most iconic and successful timepieces thanks to its minimalist, ‘3-6-9’ configuration dial, robust, 36 mm Oyster case, and superb wearability. The Explorer was launched in 1953 to celebrate the ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzig Norgay. As with most iconic vintage watches today, the Explorer originated as a tool watch marketed to mountaineers for their strong, durable case and highly legible dial. Rolex continued to evolve the design, and in 1963, introduced the reference 1016 with an upgraded movement, the caliber 1570, incorporating a hacking feature. This lovely reference 1016 from 1966 features its original and unrestored galvanic black lacquer dial retaining its wonderful glossy surface and gilt print. The luminous indexes have aged to a pleasing light yellow tone, giving it an unmistakable vintage character. Rarer still, it is accompanied with its original Rolex guarantee dated November 21, 1966, and sold by Casa Venegas, Inc, St. Thomas V.I, chronometer certificate, and boxes – a complete example for the connoisseur. Combined with its well-preserved case and riveted Oyster bracelet, this watch is a highly collectible and attractive variant of the iconic Explorer that is sure to please.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded 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.

    View More Works

46

Ref. 1016
A fine and rare stainless steel wristwatch with black lacquer dial, original guarantee, chronometer certification and presentation box.

1966
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
36mm diameter

Estimate
$8,000 - 16,000 
CHF7,800-15,600
€6,800-13,600
HK$62,500-125,000

Sold for $40,000

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century

New York Auction 26 October 2017