The reference 1016 appears in the Rolex catalogues: OYSTER PERPETUAL EXPLORER CHRONOMETER which will be produced until 1990, then replaced by the new model 14270. In a 1973 Rolex catalogue, “The Rolex Oyster”, we can read: “The EXPLORER, also called the reinforced Rolex. Reinforced Oyster case, guaranteed waterproof to 100 meter depth. Exceptional shock-resistance, rotor selfwinding, officially certified chronometer movement. The dial is black, has very luminous hours for easy reading even in the hardest conditions. The watch worn by Sir John Hunt during his successful Everest expedition. Available only in stainless steel”. It was originally equipped with a Flushfit rivet link bracelet ref. 6636 or 7206, then with the Oyster folded link bracelet ref. 7836 and, towards the end of the 1970’s (called EXPLORER I in the catalogues) with a leather strap or Oyster solid link bracelet (ref. 78360). About half way through the 60’s, to celebrate the visit from Nasa (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) in Japan, an Explorer special series, ref. 1016, is made: the Space-Dweller model. Produced in a very limited number, this watch has the wording Space-Dweller in the place of Explorer on the dial. The ref. 1016 bears its reference number hallmarked inside the case back and originally has the caliber 1560, then replaced by the caliber 1570.
1960’s 1980’s
