Rolex

Rolex introduced the ref. 1016 Explorer in 1959 and continued to produce it for the next 30 years until 1989. Many slight variants exist within the 1016 world, but all share an iconic black dial with Arabic numerals at three, six, and nine o'clock. This reference started with a gilt, glossy dial. However, toward late 1966 to early 1967, Rolex switched to a matte dial, which demarcated one of the greatest changes in the production run. Produced just before the switch to matte, the final glossy dialed Explorers had an open chapter ring as opposed to the earlier gloss dialed variants with closed chapter rings. The open chapter ring was used on matte dial ref. 1016s until the reference was replaced in the catalog in 1989.

This example from 1965 features one of the aforementioned and extremely desirable glossy open chapter ring dials. Sitting next to a matte dial Explorer, the difference is still very stark. The deep gloss finish plays with the light in an entirely different way than your standard Rolex matte surface. We are pleased to offer this watch with its presentation box and COSC certificate.