Second baby steps entering into the vintage world of Rolex....Explorer 1016

Hello Rolex fans,

The newbie is back, taking his second trembling step into the vintage brand!

I know that Sub’s and SD’s are much more common/popular among vintage Rolex fans…

But, after seeing Baron’s red and Amanico’s lollipop I have come to the conclusion that I should pay more attention to the Explorer.

The 6610 would be a natural choice for me, but when this 1016 from 1974 came to sit in front of me…

I just could not help myself…!

“The Explorer” – I just love the name of this watch and the anticipation the name creates!

1954: Everest

A find that didn’t surprise me was the connection to the IGY. This explains a thing or two for me why I am drawn to this watch…

1957: International Geophysical Year 1957-1958

The Explorer shares many of the same virtues as the JLC Geophysic, IWC Ingenieur and Omega Railmaster.

Three watches from three other brands, from the same time period that I hold very high.

I guess the Everest expedition set the course for how to promote the Explorer…

1966: An Explorer costs 880 Francs

1966: The purpose of the Explorer

1968: If I climb, what would I be wearing?

1969: If I skied, what would I be wearing?

A cousin to the Explorer that we seldom speak of here is the Commander…

Newbie question: why? Is it rare? Not as nice as the Explorer…? Why is it not more mentioned here?

1972: A&F nominates the Commander

The strange thing is that on the bracelet the Explorer feels like a “small-ish” watch.

I used it a couple of times, but never liked it much (haven’t even WS).

1980:

But on a strap the size is just perfect! I know it’s not the Everest or the North pole, but at least we do have snow here in Sweden!

And it is a good feeling to know that your watch is both Tropic & Arctic proof!

Here together with her younger sister…

Hope you enjoyed.

Best

Blomman

This message has been edited by Baron on 2014-02-18 00:34:58 This message has been edited by Baron on 2014-02-20 03:17:31

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Excellent catch, Blomman. The 1016 is such a lovely Vintage Rolex!

By: amanico : February 17th, 2014-14:02

BRAVO! Best, Nicolas

Thank you, Nicolas!

By: blomman Mr Blue : February 18th, 2014-03:08

Yes, I really smitten by this one.... The 1016 has got much more wrist time than would have be fair during the last few months! :) Best, my friend Blomman

What a beauty...

By: foversta : February 17th, 2014-14:05

and what a great post! thanks for the presentation of your new baby! Fx

Thank you, Fx! :) [nt]

By: blomman Mr Blue : February 18th, 2014-03:10

As usually well played

By: Ares501 - Mr Green : February 17th, 2014-14:06

my dear friend and lot of goodies that you have with every of your pieces Best and enjoy Damjan

Playing the game... ;)

By: blomman Mr Blue : February 18th, 2014-03:31

Goodies makes the experiance of the watch even more complete... Thank you, dear friend! :) Best Blomman

For sure one of the finest vintage pieces out there

By: watchthatman : February 17th, 2014-14:29

right up there with the geophysic. Seeing it in your post makes me want to get one.

I took a side by side picture of the Geophysic and the 6610.

By: amanico : February 17th, 2014-14:30

Will try to find the photo! But, of course, you are right. This is an outstanding pair! Best, Nicolas

Looking forward to it (nt) [nt]

By: watchthatman : February 17th, 2014-14:57

As a JLC hard core fan....

By: blomman Mr Blue : February 18th, 2014-03:33

I would advice you to get the Geophysic first... After that go for the Explorer! :) Will try to make a comparision shot. Best Blomman

Many congrats.....a true icon, perhaps the ultimate Oyster…

By: ImranLondon : February 17th, 2014-15:41

Btw the Commando is as rare as rocking horse doo doo, only ever seen one Best Imran

Re: rare as rocking horse doo doo....

By: blomman Mr Blue : February 18th, 2014-10:22

Well, this explains why not many talks about this one...! ;) Thank you, Imran - yes, I can really feel the Rolex DNA in this one! Best Blomman

Beautiful post.

By: VMM : February 17th, 2014-17:46

Beautiful Explorer too, it looks nice on that strap. I've enjoyed the reading and the pics. Loved those vintage ads. Thanks for sharing cheers vte

Re: Loved those vintage ads

By: blomman Mr Blue : February 18th, 2014-10:26

You and me both, Vte! :) I use these old documents to understand the character and spirit of the watch. Usually I start to collect documents of a watch I am interested in, long before I pull the trigger....! Thank you for your kind words, my friend. Best ...

Great Rolex Explorer 1016 - Bravo Blomma

By: Bill : February 17th, 2014-18:04

As always very fine choice and I wish you great happiness with this new addition. Best Bill

This one makes me very happy! :)

By: blomman Mr Blue : February 18th, 2014-10:29

Thank you for your encouraging words, my friend! :) I should start to "explore" the vintage Rolex world more... Best Blomman

Strap vs. bracelet

By: Madhatter : February 17th, 2014-20:09

I couldn't agree more. I have mine on a Nato and think it compliments the watch much better.

Still haven't got arround to try nato....

By: blomman Mr Blue : February 18th, 2014-10:30

But I will sure do! :) Thank you for the tip. Best Blomman

congrats blomman...

By: gensiulia : February 18th, 2014-00:57

...i wish i could add this one day. all my best!

Thank you, Chris!

By: blomman Mr Blue : February 18th, 2014-10:31

Your day will come for sure! :) Best Blomman

This should be a title for a song....

By: Baron - Mr Red : February 18th, 2014-01:09

....."Where there is a beginning, there is no end" I am truly delighted to see you dip deeper into vintage Rolex. For such a JLV fanatic, it is great to see you try and love these vintage Rolex so much. In the 1016, i think you have chosen a really charmi...

You are to blame...! ;)

By: blomman Mr Blue : February 18th, 2014-10:34

You are to blame, dear friend! After seeing your Explorer Red I knew that I at least needed a Explorer! Red or lollipop.... Well, as you say.... Where there is a start, there is no end...! ;) Best Blomman

Thank you

By: Baron - Mr Red : February 18th, 2014-11:43

You are to blame is not a comp....

By: blomman Mr Blue : February 20th, 2014-10:30

Errrr.... To get a hard ass JLC guy like me to start digging here in the Rolex trench.... Well, yes it is a compliment! ;) Best Blomman

Either way....

By: Baron - Mr Red : February 20th, 2014-11:08

thank you

explorer rules

By: psfparis : February 18th, 2014-01:40

very nice catch indeed 1st time i see 1016 the abercombie hands..anyone can elaborate on it ?

As Imran so delightful put it....

By: blomman Mr Blue : February 18th, 2014-10:36

... rare as rocking horse doo doo! :) I have been asking this several times to many Rolex collectors, but no luck.... Best Blomman

Baby step ?

By: DrStrong : February 18th, 2014-01:47

well, not really... The Explorer I is a great classic Rolex sports model, with an amazing history and a remarkable "understated" look. Big congrats for that addition !

Re: Baby step....

By: blomman Mr Blue : February 18th, 2014-10:39

Well, I try to tread lightly into this mine field... Trying not to fall into too many traps...! :) Thank you for your support, Jeff! Best Blomman

Congrats dear Blomman! You see... Explorers can be addictive!...

By: Subexplorer : February 18th, 2014-04:14

... I´m specially fond of these 1016´s! Love their luminous indexes in contrast with their black dials! So cute! Enjoy yours with health my friend! Cordial regards, Abel.

Dear Abel

By: blomman Mr Blue : February 18th, 2014-10:41

Thank you, my friend! Yes, I find them very addictive... :) Fear I will end up like Nicolas one day.... Best Blomman

Hello, my dear friend !.. Bravo.. Bravissimo !.. What a nice catch :)) .. In fact..

By: hs111 : February 18th, 2014-13:50

.. That is exactly the Reference - 1016 - which I am after in a nice gilt condition for quite a while now But you succeded, where I have failed so far.. The pictures on the ads in your super post tell a very nice story, of a Rolex classic, to be loved ! A...

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