Important Watches

Rolex

Explorer ‘Gilt OCR Type 6’, Reference 1016 | A stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 1966

Session begins in

September 19, 03:00 AM GMT

Estimate

120,000 - 240,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

Rolex

Explorer ‘Gilt OCR Type 6’, Reference 1016

A stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 1966

Dial: Gilt black, Type 6

Calibre: cal. 1570 automatic, 26 jewels

Case: stainless steel, screw down case back

Case number: 1’506’434

Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp

Size: 36 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 180 mm

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: none

The 1016 Explorer is one of the most widely beloved and appreciated vintage watches within Rolex collecting. Not only was it imbued with the richest of sporting pedigrees, being a descendent of the watches used during the historic 1953 Everest expedition, it also belongs to the Golden four digit era, a time known for its immense collectibility due to the sheer volume of nuances in dial design, and indeed the formative years where many of Rolex’s most iconic designs took the shape that we know today.

The present example belongs to the coveted earlier gilt segment of production, prized for their attractive glossy dials which were much more demanding to produce compared to their later matte siblings. Like other references of the period, the collecting community has identified a bevy of dial variations, in this case no less than 7 different marks, with the present one belonging to the very last batch, Type 6 with Open Chapter Ring.

勞力士 Explorer ‘Gilt OCR Type 6’ 型號1016

精鋼鏈帶腕錶，約1966年製

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."