Rolex· Switzerland

Explorer

Ref. 1016· 1963–present

Community Score

1 review

Expert Score

2 reviews

Est. Price

Market ~$13,092

field luxury sport vintage

The Rolex Explorer Reference 1016 is widely regarded as the definitive Explorer, produced from 1963 to 1989 - one of the longest production runs of any Rolex reference. It features the iconic matte black dial with applied luminous 3-6-9 Arabic numerals, a…

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Score Breakdown

Community

Expert

Dial & Handset

Case & Design

Movement

Bracelet / Strap

Wearability

Value

Specifications

Movement

Automatic

Caliber

Cal. 1560

Case Diameter

36mm

Case Thickness

12.5mm

Case Material

Stainless Steel

Crystal

Acrylic

Water Resistance

100m (1000 ft)

Power Reserve

48h

Bracelet / Strap

Oyster bracelet

Submit / Correct Specs

Current Listings

View all on eBay →

Rolex Explorer Black Dial Stainless Steel 36mm Automatic Movement Men’s 1016

$7,995Pre-owned - Good

VintagRolex Explorer 36 MM Refinished Dial Automatic Watch Ref. No 1016

$12,484Pre-owned - Good

Reviews

(3)

Not the Real The Mad Watch Collector

ExpertJul 1, 2026

Dial & Handset

Case & Design

Movement

Bracelet / Strap

Wearability

Value

The 1016 is the definitive Explorer, full stop. Produced for over 26 years, this reference basically wrote the vocabulary for what an adventure watch should be: 36mm, clean dial, riveted or folded bracelet, no date, black. Matte dials with even patina are the hunt. On the wrist this is one of those references that just disappears in the best possible way.

Where to Buy

Brand Website

Buy new direct from Rolex

eBay

Current listings and auctions

Jomashop

Authorized dealer inventory

James Whitfield

Jul 1, 2026

Dial & Handset

Case & Design

Movement

Bracelet / Strap

Wearability

Value

Owned my 1016 for over a decade now. It has become the watch - the one I reach for when I'm not sure what to wear. 36mm is not for everyone in 2025 but it's genuinely perfect for me. If you find an original matte dial with even patina, don't hesitate. These are only going up.

Socrates

ExpertJul 1, 2026

Dial & Handset

Case & Design

Movement

Bracelet / Strap

Wearability

Value

The Explorer poses a simple question: what does a watch need? A dial, hands, numerals at the cardinal positions, and a case robust enough to accompany one on a genuine journey. In answering this question with such economy - and in producing that answer without variation for twenty-six years - this reference approaches, if it does not attain, the ideal.