Rolex Explorer

The Rolex Explorer existed before it even had the name. Rolex had long been a purveyor of timepieces to explorers, and had sponsored several expeditions to the Himalayas. On one expedition—Sir John Hunt’s, in 1953—several members wore Rolexes as they tackled the tallest peak on Earth, Mt. Everest.

The dial of one of these watches was distinctive, with 3, 6, 9 in bold Arabic numerals at the poles. Essentially, this was the ancestor of the Explorer. When Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary climbed down from the powdery surface of the summit and returned to terra firma, Rolex released the Explorer in honor of their achievement, and the manufacture’s participation in it.

In production for nearly 30 years, the Reference 1016 remains the one that many collectors dream of strapping to their wrists. The case, measuring a trim 36mm, is beautifully proprtioned on the wrist and the dial, with its distinctive large arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9, is an exercise in form following function.

This particular example dates to the late 1960's, just after the transition from gilt, glossy dials to matte dials with white printed numerals. The Rolex coronet is squatter than in later versions of the dial, giving rise to the "frog foot" nickname for this dial variant.

Boasting a beautiful patina across the dial, aged but untouched hands, and the seldom-seen correct Rolex box, this Reference 1016 makes a compelling addition to any vintage collection.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.