1969 Rolex Explorer I (Ref. 1016)

The Rolex Explorer I references bridge the gap between a Dress watch and a Sports watch as they possess a smooth bezel, the lack of crown guards, and the rotating bezels more commonly found on the Sports models of watches offered by Rolex. But with that being said the Rolex explorer references possess highly visible block indices and luminescent numerals at the 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, and 9 o’clock positions with a submariner style triangle at the 12 o’clock position.The Rolex Submariner style hands more commonly found on the sports line of Rolex watches also add to the Rolex explorer’s unique feel and appearance..

 This specific example that we are featuring here at craft and tailored features the earlier rolex coronet that is commonly referred to as the “frog foot” as this specific era of coronet post Gilt dial resembles a frogs foot where later variants on the ref. 1016 are much more stout pronounced. The flawless dial is intact without any chipping or issue and the lume plots and hands have achieved a wonderful Golden patina which adds to this specific examples charm and wrist appeal..