Rolex Explorer Ref. 1016 with "Tropical" Dial in Steel

Lot 157

About Seller

608 5th Ave. #507
New York, NY 10020
United States

Headquartered on Fifth Avenue in New York City, Fortuna is the world’s only no-risk fine jewelry auction house. Fortuna is a global auction house that allows consumers to buy and sell fine jewelry, gemstones, and timepieces in a transparent, secure, and regulated method. Founded in 2011, Fortuna del...Read more

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About Auction

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Exclusive Watches

By Fortuna Auction

Jun 5, 2019

Set Reminder 2019-06-05 13:00:00 2019-06-05 13:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Exclusive Watches https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/fortuna/exclusive-watches-4138 This past year we’ve brought you iconic collectible watches such as two Rolex Ref. 6239 Paul Newman Daytonas, a Rolex Submariner Ref. 5512 with square crown guards, pristine Blancpain Milspec, and many others. We’re now excited to present our fourth watch auction, Exclusive Watches. Fortuna Auction info@fortunaauction.com

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Lot Description

CIRCA: 1965
REF.: 1016
CASE NUMBER: 1380525
CASE MATERIAL: Stainless Steel
CASE DIMENSIONS: 36 mm in diameter
DIAL: Black with shades of chocolate brown, luminous hour markers with "3", "6", and "9" Arabic numerals
BRACELET MATERIAL: Brown cordovan leather
BRACELET SIZE: 6-3/8 to 7-3/4 inches
MOVEMENT: Automatic
FUNCTIONS: Time only
CALIBER: 1560

The Explorer 1016 debuted in 1963 and is most famous for the inclusion of its predecessor on the first summiting of Mount Everest in 1953. Usually the Explorer doesn't get much fanfare as compared to other, larger Rolex sport watches. But the Explorer excels in one particular area: its dial. All the way back in the early 1950s, Rolex designed the familiar 3/6/9 dial as seen on the Rolex Explorer 1016 because it was legible for quick and crucial time telling under tough conditions. The large amount of tritium on the dial plus the later addition of the big, bold Mercedes hands also enhanced visibility under low light conditions. Collectors pay a huge premium for the famous 3/6/9 dial when found on other Rolex sport watches. The dial of the present example is particularly special and attractive with its "tropical" characteristic -- the fact that the dial has started turning a beautiful shade of chocolate brown. This rare attribute makes the present watch quite valuable and a must-have for Rolex sport collectors.

Please note that the second digit in the case number has been obscured over time by the wear of the bracelet against the case. Upon examination under magnification, the second digit appears to be a "3" as indicated in the specifications above.

Condition

Dial in excellent condition, with beautiful shades of chocolate brown. Hands with signs of age. Luminous material on the dial and hands fully intact, appears original to the watch, and aged to a beautiful creamy color. Case in excellent condition with perhaps a light polish and light scratches from age and normal wear. Overall in excellent condition.

Any reference to condition in a condition report will not include a full description of condition, and for example, may not specify all faults, alteration, adaptation, mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, or dial. Colors and shades may look different online or in printed materials than they look on physical inspection, and images may not clearly show the condition of a lot. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot in person and make their own evaluation of the lot. They must understand that any statement made by Fortuna Auction LLC ("Fortuna") is merely a subjective, qualified statement and does not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Fortuna. All dimensions in catalog descriptions are approximate. No warranties are made that watches in water-resistant cases are currently water-resistant. Fortuna does not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets or leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Pre-owned watches, unless still in original packaging or never worn, will likely have some degree of wear and scratches. This should be expected for many of the watches offered in auction. Even if a watch is running and keeping time, bidders and buyers should expect that all movements will require maintenance. Fortuna recommends that all successful buyers promptly take their watches to a professional watchmaker for evaluation. Prospective buyers should also refer to any notices as well as the Conditions of Sale in Fortuna's print catalogs and made available on its website, digital bidding platform, and other third-party digital bidding platforms. Please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, including but not limited to customs regulations, duties, and lots incorporating materials from endangered species. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DESCRIPTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY FORTUNA, THAT ANY OF THE LOTS FOR SALE ARE MERCHANTABLE OR SUITED FOR ANY PURPOSE.
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