ROLEX | A VERY RARE STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC CENTER SECONDS WRISTWATCH WITH GILT DIAL AND BRACELETREF 1016 CASE 901338 EXPLORER CIRCA 1963

• cal. 1560 automatic movement, 26 jewels • black gilt dial, luminous triangular, baton and Arabic indexes, luminous hands, center seconds • stainless steel Oyster case, screw-down crown and case back • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp

The movement in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The dial is in beautiful condition with the numerals now having aged a warm yellow and are still reacting nicely under the UV light. The dial is really in beautiful condition with just some minor tarnishing towards the edges. The luminous hands are slightly different color to the numerals but for the other glance match nicely. The case is in very good condition with slight surface wear and with just some very light signs of polishing but very nice overall. The bracelet is stamp 3.69. The inside case back is stamp 1.63 and has some light watch maker markings. A highly attract and original example. * Please note that the movement has not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's expense. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
"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."

This reference 1016 features a wonderful black lacquer glossy 'explorer' dial, signed with the correct 'Swiss' signature. The lacquer still exhibits a lovely glossy sheen, and all the gilt graphics and luminous is preserved in excellent condition. The luminous has aged to a warm yellow tone, giving the watch a lot of character. The case is very crisp with nice proportions and the inside case back is stamped I.63. Overall, a very nice and original example.