Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer 1016 – 1976 – Full set

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer 1016 – 1976 – Full set

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer 1016 from 1976 with round black dial with Arabic numerals for 3, 6 and 9 o’clock and baton for other hours. At 6 o’clock is engraved, “Superlative chronometer officially certified”. It is a “Swiss – T < 25” model. The hands are in steel with “Mercedes” style. It is a screwed crown with the Rolex logo. It is a screwed back stainless-steel case with engraved inside “Montres Rolex SA – Geneva – Switzerland – Stainless Steel – 1016”. The serial number of the watch is 4 million and date the watch to 1976. It is an automatic movement with Rolex caliber 1570 with 26 jewels. The watch comes with an oyster bracelet 7836 and end links 358. The watch comes with the Rolex International Service Guarantee and box. Full set very collectible.

History

In 1905, Hans Wilsdorf founded in London “ Wilsdorf & Davis” a wholesaler company. The same year, he signed a contract to distribute the Aegler wristwatches brand in UK. In 1908, he creates his own brand called “Rolex” abbreviation of “Rolling Export”. In 1914, Wilsdorf won a class “A” rating certificate from the Kew observatory in England. In 1914, “Les Fils de jean Aegler become Rolex Watch Co. Aegler SA, Manufacture d’Horlogerie”. In 1920, Wilsdorf founded “Montres Rolex SA” in Geneva. In 1926, he patented a watchcase with a screw down crown. In 1927 the “Oyster” was born when Mercedes Gleitze crossed the Channel in 15 hours and 15 minutes. In 1931, came the “Perpetual”, then the “Datejust” in 1945. Since 2000, Rolex makes its own movements and produce over 700,000 watches a year many being iconic like the Daytona, Submariner or the Prince to name a few.

Technical details

Automatic movement with caliber 1570 with 26 jewels and 19,800 A/h with 48 hours of power reserve.

Measurements

Diameter excluding winding crown: 36mm
Length including lugs:  44mm