Superb 1975 Rolex Explorer 1016 Mark 3 with “Pumpkin Patina”

We're thrilled to present a superb example of Explorer 1016, produced in 1975 (serial number 408xxxx), very well preserved since its birth almost 50 years ago and sporting a matte black "Explorer 3-6-9" dial known as the “Mark 3” variant, with a unique patina. Indeed, the luminescent markers (tritium base) have, thanks to a combination of factors (temperature, exposure to UV, humidity, components of the luminous material, etc.) developed a superb and rare “pumpkin” patina, particularly pronounced and homogeneous, which adds a unique warmth to this watch originally designed for explorers.
This Explorer 1016 is mounted as it should be on a steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, reference 78360, 580 end links, buckle code VB (production circa 1977).
It is powered by the reliable, automatic and chronometer-certified Rolex caliber 1570, thoroughly serviced by an experienced watchmaker.
Very well preserved, with a unique patina and functioning perfectly, this is a rare opportunity for discerning collectors!

Production of the Rolex Explorer 1016 spanned almost three decades, from 1963 to 1990, making it one of the longest-running references in Rolex history – underscoring its success and enduring popularity. Numerous variations and evolutions took place during these 27 years of production: transition from lacquered dials to matte dials, changes in the automatic calibers used, in luminescent materials, etc. Despite this, the stylistic DNA of the 1016 “tool watch” remained, and is today one of the most iconic designs of the brand, sought-after by collectors for its purity, elegance and timelessness.

Certainly one of the best-proportioned Rolexes, its utilitarian qualities are obvious: an extremely readable watch with a superb arrangement of indexes alternating sticks and painted Arabic numerals at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock, absence of a date window, highly reliable self-winding movement – all housed in a solid and elegant 36 mm stainless steel case. A dream for vintage lovers.

Within the Explorer line, reference 1016 also saw the introduction of the words “Superlative Chronometer / Officially Certified” on the dial, which accompanies the transition from caliber 1030 to the new movement with Microstella balance, the caliber 1560. Later on, in 1971, Rolex started to use the 1570 caliber, which operated at 19,800 vibrations per hour, compared to 18,000 for caliber 1560, and had a better anti-shock system. In the early 1970s, Rolex also added a “stop-seconds” or “hacking” function to the movement, enabling exact time setting.

The Rolex Explorer 1016 is an iconic watch, renowned for its robustness and sleek design. Initially conceived for adventurers and explorers, it was quickly adopted by the collecting community as one of the purest models in Rolex's history, and more generally of all "tool watches" of the 20th century.

This Rolex Explorer reference 1016 is preserved in very good overall condition.
Its stainless steel case maintains beautiful proportions, the Oyster bracelet shows almost no stretch, the winding crown is well defined, just like the case back.
The mechanical self-winding movement, chronometer-certified Rolex caliber 1570, has been thoroughly overhauled by an experienced watchmaker and operates within the strictest tolerances.
Above all, it is the dial of this watch that makes it extremely desirable: the luminescent markers (tritium base) have indeed developed a superb “pumpkin” patina that is particularly pronounced and homogeneous, which adds a unique warmth to this explorer's watch. For perfect overall consistency, the Mercedes hands have been expertly color-matched.

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