Classic 1970s Rolex Explorer / Explorer 1 * with “Frog’s Foot” dial, FRESH FROM SPECIALIST ROLEX SERVICE by Steven Hale Watch Restoration Ltd. ! Various generations of stainless steel Explorer with their classic and easy-to-read black / 3-6-9 dials have been celebrated as the choice for adventurers. After a few early models like the 6150 (as issued to the Royal Navy Hydographic Survey), the Explorer model 1016 was introduced and during some thirty years in production this model earned its reputation as a classic collectible. This Rolex Explorer 1016 with 298xxxx case number has a case-back date-stamped for the first quarter of 1972. It retains its original “Mark 1” matt black / Arabic quarters “Frog’s Foot” dial, so called because the Rolex coronet is printed in a distinctive style that is reminiscent of a frog’s webbed foot. The dial is clean to the naked eye although with a 10x loupe one can find some tiny marks, and it has well-matched hands that we believe are the originals. The bracelet is the light-weight, folded steel Oyster 7836 with 358 end-links, in very nice condition. It has a Rolex 1570 calibre movement with unique movement number 236642 as illustrated in the photo-essay linked below. The movement is running well, testing at a gain of only a few second per day on average in October 2023, although this will vary slightly depending on the individual wearer. Its mid case is in fine condition with lugs that have not been over-polished, the crown and bezel are excellent and the case numbering is crisp and clear. Offered with a genuine Explorer 1016 / 1655 instruction booklet (itself a valuable collectible!), Rolex “Green-Stripe” box-set (matching inner and outers ref 06.00.06), red COSC swing-tag, plastic document wallet and chronometer translation leaflet, our own warranty card and a certificate from the ALR Watch Register confirming that we checked it with them. M.S.Milton Ltd in Birkenhead bought this watch from an individual in January 2019. It lived thereafter unworn in our safes until April 2023 when we sent it to Steven Hale Watch Restoration Limited, a fully accredited Rolex watch-maker and one of the UK’s leading vintage specialists. The watch enjoyed £1,596 worth of work including a full movement service and the fitting of new glass, flush-fit ends, rotor axle, reversers, barrel, tube, upper crown and core. A photo-essay of this watch with many more photographs is available by clicking here. This watch in its refurbished form will perhaps attract the discerning and discreet collector with an appreciation of Rolex’s 20th century history. Please note that while we have successfully tested water resistance for normal use including recreational swimming etc, we would advise that more extensive pressure testing be carried out before any significant underwater diving is considered.
* The Rolex EXPLORER in all its permutations (6350, 6150, 1016, 5504, 5500, 14270, 114270 etc) never featured the title “EXPLORER I” on its dial, but has often been referred to as that, since the introduction of the explicitly-named EXPLORER II. Through the years there have thus been many people who say we should not use the title “EXPLORER I”, claiming that no such watch ever existed. Frustrated with this, our Managing Director compiled research from the Miltons archives to prove that Rolex themselves have referred to the “EXPLORER I” for many decades — and his findings are often now quoted when the matter arises in internet discussion. If such detail is of interest to you, much of his evidence may be found by following this link.
We cannot accept cash for items of such high value. Please ask for one of our watch specialists if you would like to view the watch in our private / secure sales facility or to enquire about acceptable payment methods.
Price: £12,999