Designed as an ultra-durable and reliable watch for those who like to take risks, the Explorer is Rolex’s original line of sports watches. As such, the Explorer is also one of the most recognizable models in the brand’s entire collection, with a timeless and truly iconic design that has been a fixture in the luxury watch industry for over half a century. The Reference 1016 is the longest version of the Rolex Explorer, which was produced from around 1963 until 1989. Rolex watches are typically produced for many years at a time, and it is not uncommon for certain models to appear in the brand’s catalog for more than a decade. However, the Explorer 1016 was produced for over a quarter of a century, which is an incredible amount of time – even by Rolex’s standards.
While it has undergone some minor updates over the years, the overall design and functionality of the fake rolex for sale has remained largely unchanged. The Rolex Explorer 1016 has a fairly straightforward aesthetic, featuring a black dial with oversized luminous hour markers, a screw-down crown, Mercedes-style hands, and an increased water-resistance rating of 100 meters, twice the 50-meter depth rating offered by the previous version.
This particular Rolex Explorer 1016 has its own intriguing story. The original owner of the watch, George, first purchased a Rolex in 1966. What prompted him to purchase the Explorer was not because of its association with the exclusive Rolex brand, but as a practical tool for his future. George was in his senior year at West Point at the time and knew that his military career was just beginning. As such, he needed a watch to keep accurate time, even in the most difficult of areas.
In addition to keeping accurate time, the watch’s highly illuminated dial signals – perfect for military operations. Besides, because it features one of Rolex’s legendary self-winding perpetual calendar movements, the Explorer Model 1016 does not require any batteries or daily manual winding. Simply wear the watch all day long and the gentle movement of your wrist will wind the movement and keep it running.
George’s Rolex Explorer 1016 followed him around the world during his military service. He wore it throughout his time in the mountains of Georgia and the Army Ranger School in the Florida Everglades. While serving with the 82nd Airborne Division, George was stationed in Germany, and naturally his trusty 1016 Explorer watch followed him.
At the end of his military service, George decided to have his Explorer 1016 serviced again, and was shocked at the $200 offer, as it was far more than he had originally paid for the entire replica watches usa nearly 50 years ago. However, when it comes to an investment like his beloved Rolex Explorer, the cost of maintenance is entirely relative. Although the service price was more than three times what he originally paid for the watch, it is still a fraction of what his Explorer is worth today.
George’s Rolex Explorer 1016 has grown exponentially in value since he purchased it in the 1960s, which is why George finally decided to bring it to Bob’s Watches to get an estimate of its current market price. Even the cheapest 1016 models are worth at least five figures, and George’s is an exceptional example. There is nothing better than a vintage Rolex watch with an interesting story, especially one as beloved and often worn as this Model 1016 Explorer.
