Why This Watch Matters This Mark 2 matte dialed ref. 1016 Explorer is coveted by collectors due to its short production run and glossy-dial-era Rolex details, such as the fonts and coronet shape. The Full Story The Rolex Explorer is maybe the most talked about Rolex model of 2021 after the brand's resizing of the modern iteration back to classic 36mm standards and, gulp, the introduction of a two-tone offering. This watch is just in the news. What we have here is a great opportunity to pick up a 36mm stainless-steel Explorer without a trip to your local authorized dealer! On top of that, this iteration of the Crown's striped-down sport model is one of the most timeless. You get a matte dial texture, the longest running Rolex dial type, as well as some early details that will color even the most seasoned collectors impressed. Rolex introduced the ref. 1016 Explorer in 1959 and continued to produce it for the next 30 years until 1989. Many slight variants exist within the 1016 world, but all share an iconic black dial with Arabic numerals at three, six, and nine o'clock. This reference started with a gilt, glossy dial. However, toward late 1966 to early 1967, Rolex switched to a matte dial, which demarcated one of the greatest changes in the production run. Produced shortly after this switch, the Mark 2 matte dial features a font and Rolex coronet that are nearly identical to those details on the final, Mark 6, glossy or gilt dial. The Mark 2 is almost a glossy dial in disguise – it is just, well, matte. Further making this variant collectible is the relatively short production run compared to other early matte dial types. The Mark 2 is limited to case serial numbers around 2.1-2.2 million, whereas the Mark 1 matte dial is found 1.5-3.5 million and even beyond into the 5 and 6 millions. A Mark 2 matte dialed ref. 1016 Explorer is featured in the collection of Fred Savage in his episode of Talking Watches. This example from 1969 is in overall strong condition and features the aforementioned Mark 2 matte dial. The black finish has remained extremely well preserved, and the case is strong, matching the condition of the dial well. With a light overall patina aging to a creamy yellow, the lume on this example is what sets it apart in the metal. The 1016 is arguably the perfect watch and could easily be a one watch collection. This example really checks all the boxes and is ready for a new home. For more information on the ref. 1016, you can look here. The Fine Print Maker: RolexModel: ExplorerReference: 1016Year: 1969Case No: 2201739Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 36mm diameter; 12.5mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Rolex, self-winding, caliber 1560Bracelet/Strap: Rolex, stainless steel, folded-link Oyster No. 7836 with No. 258 endlinksLug Width: 20mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Beautiful lume color - Rare Mark 2 matte dial- Correct folded-link Oyster braceletThings To Know:- Scratches on case- Replacement minute hand- Slight mark on dial near four o'clockThis Explorer is in overall great, attractive condition. The case is strong with some scratches. The back of the lugs have some scratches from the bracelet. The numbers between both sets of lugs are clearly visible. The case appears to have been lightly polished. The dial is in overall very good condition. The dial has a few slight imperfections, most notably one near four o'clock. The mark near four o'clock is very faint and hard to see, even under a loupe. The lume on the dial and hands has aged to a beautiful creamy yellow color. The lume on the dial shows signs of degradation on the three o'clock marker. The lume on the hands matches well to that of the dial. The minute hand is a later replacement. The hands themselves have developed patina. The inside caseback is stamped "II.69,'' indicating it was made in the second quarter of 1969 and matches the case number. The folded-link Oyster bracelet is in overall great condition with some light stretch between the links and light scratches. The first link on the 12 o'clock side shows some slight wear. This watch was photographed on a 180mm/7inch wrist.
