1962 Rolex Explorer ref. 1016 “Chapter Ring, Gilt Exclamation Dial”

Up for grabs is a Rolex Explorer I

Reference 1016

744,XXX serial number circa early 1962 production

Excellent vintage condition case with even and thick lugs. Fully legible numbers between the lugs.

The watch is fresh-to-market and was found on a rivet Rolex USA C&I bracelet, which I believe it has always been worn on and sold. The date on the clasp is ’63 which would be appropriate during this time. However, this bracelet has 19mm end-links and even though I still believe it was always worn like this, I went ahead and put the watch on a generic rivet bracelet with 20mm ends. Both bracelets are included. The movement is also signed “ROW” which was for US market only, therefore it further reinforces the theory of C&I bracelet being original to this watch. The only other thing I did was hand polish the crystal.

Dial is original, chapter ring Gilt with Exclamation. Lume is original. Nice and even matting as most of these have. Under the sun, you can see a dark shade of brown, but I wouldn’t call this tropical today. Hands are also original. No relume or feinish.

Caseback is original, stamped 1016 inside and dated 62

No box or papers.