Rolex

• cal. 1570 automatic nickel lever movement, 26 jewels, mono-metallic compensation balance • black dial, luminescent baton, dagger and Arabic numerals, centre seconds, Mercedes type hands • Oyster case, polished chamfered bezel, screw-down crown, screw-down case back engraved with SANAE 27 Antarctic Expedition 1986-1987 with a man standing on an icy landscape to the centre • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Oyster bracelet with folding clasp

The movement is beautifully running at the time of cataloguing, however it might benefit from a service in the future. Dial in very good condition, some sign of corrosion to the hands. Case and bracelet with light scuffs from wear. Overall in very good condition. MVT no : 920969 Engraved inside case back with: MONTRES ROLEX S.A. GENEVA SWITZERLAND PATENTED STAINLESS STEEL, 1016
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

The present watch belonged to Graham Blyth a member of the SANAE 27 expedition. The first SANAE (South African National Antarctic Expedition) took place in 1960, the purpose of the mission was for scientific, meteorological and photographical research of the land and nature of the Antarctic. Subjected to extreme conditions, the prolonged Antarctic nights, temperatures as low as -50 ° centigrade, strong magnetic fields, wind and storms, the conditions endured by the SANAE team were exceptionally harsh. Graham Blyth was sponsored by Rolex and it is no surprise that the model they supplied for the expedition was one of their most robust models, an Explorer I ref.1016. The present watch was supplied to Blyth on the following conditions:

1) He had to insure the watch at his own expense
2) He had to send periodic reports regarding how the watch was functioning
3) He had to mention Rolex in any interview, article and possible book
4) After returning from the expedition the watch had to be temporarily but immediately returned so that its reliability could be tested.

The Explorer 1 ref 1016 was produced by Rolex for approximately 30 years, from 1960 until about 1990. Over this period, the model was updated but never completely changed, its classic look and robust design have made it an enduring classic, appealing as much to the sportsman and adventurer as to the watch connoisseur