Why We Love This Watch

A true tool-watch icon, this 36mm stainless steel Explorer ref. 1016 embodies the essence of Rolex adventure. Its matte black dial showcases a timeless combination of Tritium index and Arabic numeral hour markers with signature Mercedes hands, all protected by a domed acrylic crystal. At its heart beats the robust Caliber 1570 automatic movement, renowned for reliability and precision. With its clean, understated design, this 1978 Explorer perfectly reflects the rugged elegance that has made the model legendary among collectors.

Watch Details

Brand: Rolex

Model Name: Explorer 36

Collection: Explorer

Model Number: 1016

Year: Circa 1978

Item Number: 180921

Condition: Vintage

Gender: Mens Unisex

Box & Papers: No Box or Papers

Case

Material: Stainless Steel

Crystal: Acrylic

Size: 36MM

Bezel: Stainless Steel Smooth

Caseback: Solid

Serial: 5518XXX

Dial: Black w/ Arabic hour markers, Tritium hands & Tritium lume

Movement

Calibre: 1570

Type: Automatic

Bezel: Fixed

Complication: No Date

Bracelet

Material: Stainless Steel

Type: Oyster

Clasp: Oysterclasp

Vintage Watch Condition Examination

This Rolex Explorer is in overall great vintage condition consistent with its age. The case is in good condition with normal signs of wear. The inside caseback is stamped "1016". The Mark 4  dial is in overall great condition; it has a light drag mark between 11-12 on the edge. The lume on the dial has developed light patina and aged to a marshmallow white color. The hands have developed patina and the lume in the hands was color corrected/ relumed to match the color of the lume on the dial. This watch has a 978360 bracelet with 12 links and no. 580 end links. The clasp is stamped "D" indicating it is from 1979 which makes sense for the production of the watch. The bracelet is in good condition with normal signs of wear and light stretch between the links which is not uncommon. 

Description: Rolex Explorer 36 1016

Rolex introduced the 1016 Explorer in 1959 and it was in production until 1989 making it one of the longest running produced references from the brand. At the beginning of the run Rolex made the dials glossy and then switched to the matte style around 1966.  Collectors have identified 5 different dial variations for the matte dial 1016s. This example is circa 1978 and features a Mark 4 dial. One defining characteristic of this dial is the tall coronet which is pretty easy to identify especially when comparing to other mark dials. 

This example comes from the original family and has a great overall look; we love the contrast of the marshmallow colored lume against the matte black dial! 

Shop Rolex Explorer 36 Collection

Authenticity

* All Pre-Owned Rolex watches are guaranteed to be 100% genuine and certified authentic. Certificates are issued by Watch CSA, the industry's leading independent authority on watch authentication. Watch CSA Certified Pre-Owned certificates are provided for an additional fee at checkout. All watches are shipped to fit the average size wrist (7 1/4" - 7 1/2" for men and 6 1/4" - 6 1/2" for women). Additional links can be purchased if needed. Note that "B&P" means "box and papers" where stated.

Warranty

This vintage Rolex comes with Bob's Watches one year warranty

Shipping / Returns

This order is ready for shipment within one (1) business day after the order has been approved and processed. All watch orders are shipped FedEx overnight and are fully insured at no charge to the customer. Please be advised that for any deliveries from Bob's Watches, a recipient aged 21 years or older must be present to provide a signature upon receipt of the package.

For more information on shipping, please visit our shipping page. For further details on returns, please check out our return policy page.

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