A stunning unpolished Rolex Explorer 1 model reference 1016 from 1972 with gorgeous Mark 1 "Frog Foot" dial, 36mm solid stainless steel case and freshly serviced caliber 1570 movement within keeping great time. This is a truly beautiful example of the classic Explorer model with stunning matte dial, original tritium luminous and beautiful unpolished case with light wear consistent with age fitted to a nicely matched 20mm distressed leather strap.
Circa: First 1/4 of 1972
Style: Sport
Case: Solid stainless steel Rolex Oyster case measuring 36mm in diameter excluding the original signed screw-down crown with 20mm lug spacing. Stamped correctly between the lugs at 6:00 Stainless Steel with the serial number in the 2.9 million range, then at 12:00, Registered Design 1016. Light signs of wear throughout from gentle use. Stamped inside the back Montre Rolex SA, Geneva, Switzerland, Patented, Stainless Steel, 1016, with the date 1/72 (1st quarter of 1972).
Dial: Stunning factory printed original matte black dial with the classic 3,6,9 design with tritium luminous matching in both dial and hands. This is known as the Mark 1 "Frog Foot" dial due to the unusual printing of the coronet with a spindly organic shape echoing the feet of our slimy green friends. This example is in superb condition with only very minor imperfections only noticeable under magnification, fully signed Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer, Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified, Swiss - T <25. The luminous has a beautiful aged cream colour tritium and has the same dim glow under black light in both the dial and hands.
Movement: Superb high grade Rolex in-house manufactured calibre 1570 automatic movement fully signed Montre Rolex SA, 26 Jewels, Adjusted to 5 Positions And Temperature, Geneva Swiss. Freshly serviced here at Meticulous, keeping excellent time and ready to wear with our full 1 year mechanical warranty.