Rolex Explorer 1016 - 1974

Soup to nuts, the Rolex reference 1016 is one of the most beautiful sports watches ever designed.  In production for nearly three decades, the 1016 Explorer is the direct descendant of their original mountaineer's watch, used during the first ascent to the top of Mount Everest in 1953.  These were watches designed to be tough as nails, and capable of operating effectively in the harshest conditions known to man.  It really doesn't get more badass than that. Featuring the traditional non-date 3,6,9 dial layout, the 1016 is what most people think of when you hear the words "Rolex Explorer".  While 1016s aren't particularly scarce, finding all-original examples in superb condition is always a challenge.  Many have been over-restored with service components, and more still have been worn or over-polished to death. This particular example dates from 1974 and is truly a time capsule, with incredibly crispy lugs, a perfect matte dial, and evenly faded luminescent plots on the dial and hands.  It even comes with a riveted bracelet from the correct time period!  You'd be hard pressed to find one nicer. Whether it was diving to the lowest point or climbing to the highest, you've got to hand it to Rolex - they know how to build one hell of a sports watch!