1967 Rolex Explorer 1016 Frogfoot Dial

Brand: Rolex

Model: Explorer

Reference: 1016

Serial: 17xxxxxx 

Year: 1968

Case: Stainless steel, screwback

Dial: Matte black, Explorer dial, tritium luminous

Movement: Caliber 1570 Automatic

Dimensions: 36 mm excluding crown

Function: Automatic, time keeping

Strap: Riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet, 7206, 58 enlinks

Accessories: Company watch pouch, Rolex Box

Produced in 1967 this outstanding untouched example of a beautiful Rolex 1016 Explorer with matte black MKI dial named the "frogfoot" because the coronet splays open like the amphibians foot. 

This example is fresh to the market, untouched from the original owner who purchased in from new in the UK and has worn it but it has kept unworn for sometime since, especially judging by the condition of the (extra large) riveted bracelet, which almost almost is replaced during service to a folded link.

The case, while having honest wear us unpolished and thick, and shows its light scars proudly, whilst being sharp and defined, the lugs are almost always rounded, but not on this example. Unusual for a relatively early explorer to be in such good homogenous condition.

The original and gorgeous tritium has turned a lovely deep lemon turning to orange hue. The matte black dial is flawless with no tool marks. The hands have the original lume, again extremely rare.

The 1570 automatic Rolex Geneva movement is running well but no service history is known, it keeps good time with decent amplitude but woulf prefer to sell it in this original state to retain its originality.

The watch comes on its rare 7206 riveted bracelet with no. 58 endlinks. The bracelet has full links and could easily fit a 7.5-8 inch wrist, its very large. It also has the date on the clasp matching the year by 2+ engraved 69/3.

The Explorer is still one of the most underated watches by Rolex but in this condition, seldom seen in completely original condition and when they are they rightly command a premium.

It is one example you will not want to miss, I haven't had one this nice in many years.