Rolex Explorer 1016 'Frog Foot'

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The Explorer I is the most understated of Rolex’ legendary toolwatches. This 1973 execution with a MK I ‘Frog Foot’ dial is a collector’s dream.The 1016 Explorer was introduced in 1959 and was produced for an impressive 30 years, making it one of Rolex’ longest-running references. In the first few years, Explorers featured glossy-black dials. Around 1967/1968 Rolex began using matte-black dials with a slightly grainy texture. The earliest of these matte (MK I) dials featured a Rolex coronet that resembled the foot of a frog, hence the nickname ‘Frog Foot’.The watch features the classic 3-6-9 Explorer dial configuration, with thick painted tritium markers that have turned a pleasing creamy colour that matches nicely with the tritium handset. Importantly, the watch still sports the original handset with the long minute hand that extends all the way into the minute track.The watch is in great condition with a lovely 36 mm stainless steel Oyster case and a remarkably tight period-correct folded Jubilee bracelet.

Introduction

Rolex Explorer IRolex has a storied history of building tool watches dedicated to professional users. In 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were the first to reach the summit of Mount Everest, with a Rolex Oyster Perpetual on Hillary's wrist. In honor of the expedition, Rolex released the Explorer later that year.Over the years, the Explorer I has been produced in various executions. Except for the very earliest ones, they all have one thing in common: the characteristic 3-6-9 numerals on the dial (the so-called ‘Explorer dial’).

Specifications

Shipping

Packages are generally dispatched within 2 days after receipt of payment and are shipped within the Netherlands by Registered Mail through the Dutch carrier PostNL and for other countries by Fedex. Consult us if you prefer another method of shipping. For most destinations tracking is available.