THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 1016
YEAR: 1983
CASE DIAMETER: 36mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

The Rolex Explorer reference 1016 enjoyed an astonishingly long 30-year production run, from 1959 all the way to 1989. Despite this, and like many Explorer references, the 1016 flew under the radar for years, sought after primarily by the most dedicated Rolex collectors. For context, when the 1016 first entered production it would have sat in shop windows alongside the GMT-Master 6542 and Submariner 5508. By the end of its journey—as with this example—it was instead accompanied by transitional models such as the Explorer II 16550 and the GMT-Master II 16760.

This is a lovely Mk V dial example dating to 1983. Both the previous and current owners are dear friends of Falco, and we’re grateful to have had the chance to handle this watch—even if only for about 24 hours.