Closed | Important watches – Saturday 16 May 2015

Dial not contemporary (1970s)

Rolex has equipped different expeditions in Himalaya since 1933. The most renown is of course the one Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay did on 2 May 1953 when they climbed the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest. It's said that Hillary wore a watch from the British watchmaker Smith and Norgay wore a Rolex.

Rolex patented the trade name "Explorer" on 26 January 1953 but it wasn't until the successful climb of Mount Everest in May they officially started using the name. The mountaineering was after that used as much as possible in ads and campaigns.
The thought behind the Explorer was pretty simple. One wanted a solid watch without extra functions that would endure more than other watches. The first models were based on already existing references (Ref no. 6098 and 6150), but got a new sportier look with more distinct hands and index. The Arabic numerals 3, 6 and 9 have also become characteristic for the Explorer.

The Reference 1016 which we have for sale at this auction was launched in 1960 and was produced in nearly 30 years. This is a very classic model and has pretty much looked the same the whole time, except for a few face lifts.