Lot 2304
  • 2304

ROLEX | EXPLORER, REFERENCE 1016 A STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH GILT CHAPTER RING DIAL, CIRCA 1960

Estimate
160,000 - 300,000 HKD
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Description

  • EXPLORER, REFERENCE 1016 A STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH GILT CHAPTER RING DIAL, CIRCA 1960
Dial: giltCalibre: cal. 1560 automatic, 25 jewelsCase: stainless steel, screw down case backCase number: 596'147Closure: black unsigned leather strap and stainless steel buckle Size: 37 mm diameterSigned: case, dial and movement

Condition

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The dial is lovely, original. The lumes have aged consistently and is now a ivory white. There is some minor losses to the luminous that react well under UV on the hands. The case is very crisp and in great condition. The numbers between the lugs aren't visible. There are some minor hairline underneath the lugs to the case. The case back with very crisp milled edges with some minor signs of opening with light surface wear throughout. Otherwise it is in good condition. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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."

Catalogue Note

The sports watch has gained immensely in recent years in terms of popularity and value. The knowledge that we have as collectors and scholars has also increased significantly. The 1950’s and early 1960’s saw Rolex create some of the greatest tool watches known to man. With the raise of the aircraft and international travel, Rolex introduced the GMT master. To aid those in the spirit of adventure, negotiating new environments with versatile conditions and extremes we have the Explorer. Finally, for those exploring the wonderful underwater world, Rolex introduced the Submariner, the most famous tool watch of all. Rolex, in the world of watchmaking is one of the most powerful and well-known names in history of watches. The following lots are some of Rolex’s most iconic models that pay homage to the brand that even today is constantly improving its manufacture fueled by the true desire for constant innovation.   

運動腕錶近年於市場上大行其道,風頭一時無兩,連帶藏家及權威亦相得益彰,對古董運動腕錶的研究愈趨深入。於20世界50至60年代,勞力士因各專門範疇的特別需要而推出不同系列腕錶,以滿足其特別需求。因航空業及國際旅遊業發展蓬勃,勞力士推出GMT Master系列;因應對極端環境及滿足探險家需求,Explorer從而誕生;而針對探索神秘深海世界而需要滿足嚴苛要求,世上最具標誌性的運動腕錶Submariner系列從而誕生。

勞力士作為全球製錶業最具影響力及為人所頌的業界翹楚,當之無愧。蘇富比為各位呈獻以下一系列勞力士最具標誌性的腕錶,向品牌精益求精及力求創新完美的匠人精神致敬。

The Explorer 1016 is one of the most iconic Rolexes, that was in production for almost 30 years. This reference started with a gilt, glossy dial, and towards late 1966, early 1967 the manufacture switched to a matte dial with painted numerals, which was made by the manufacture well into the 1980s. 

Special attention should be paid to the present Explorers serial number. It is quite similar to that of Ian Fleming’s own personal Explorer. The serial number of the Ian Fleming Explorer is 596’851, just a few hundred watches later.