It’s 1967, the Explorer reference 1016 had recently been transitioned by Rolex from glossy gilt dials to matte finished ones. This MK1 “Frogfoot,” an uncommon variety, appeared during this momentous change and was only produced for a very short period of time – What makes it unique? It features the Rolex coronet so extensively splayed it resembles a frog’s webbed foot – This unique, almost whimsical signature caught collectors’ attention right away. According to estimates, there are just a few hundred matte MK1 dials left in the entire world, and even fewer can be found on their original 7206 Riveted Oyster bracelet, making this Explorer I, one of the rarest of all matte dial 1016s.

The MK1 matte dial sports thick, “fat” tritium numerals, often also referred to as “greasy” tritium numerals – this is a typical early production feature of the MK1 “Frogfoot” Explorer. That “fat” Tritium directly lights up under UV light, then fading correctly. Observe this watch closely and you will see that it also still features the original so-called Long Hands: meaning the minute and seconds hand, reach right to, and slightly extend the minute track – Why is this important? Well, many early Explorers were serviced by Rolex and fitted with shorter replacement hands that shatter the optical harmony and actually deduct the watch’s value and history. Not with this one though, here everything checks out and is all original! The same applies to the steel bracelet, as this MK1 “Frogfoot” Explorer I is fitted to its original and correct 7206 riveted Oyster bracelet with 58 end-links, a detail other examples lack, adding value and authenticity to this particular 1016 – This Explorer wasn’t coddled. Perhaps it scaled mountains decades ago.. fact is, it was used what it was intended for with the occasional battle scars on the case and/or bracelet to prove its adventures life.

By the way, this 1016 has had only three previous owners over the past 58 years. Originally delivered to the United States, it remained with its first owner until around 12 years ago, when a gentleman collector acquired it on eBay directly from the original owner’s family. Most recently, it was owned and worn by our client for around four years, who then recently traded the watch with us – Now fully serviced by expert hands, this Explorer is once again ready to embark on many new adventures with another gentleman (or perhaps lady) owner/collector.

NOTE: this 1016 Explorer is covered by our exclusive ‘Vintage Collectors’ warranty, a testament to our commitment to excellence in horology – Elevating your experience with us, this unique warranty spans an impressive five years and is reserved exclusively for our finest, most authentic and all original vintage watches.

reference: 1016
case number: 173XXXX
year of production: 1967
case diameter: 36mm
movement: self-winding, Rolex caliber 1570
box and papers: including original box

Price: € 18.950,-