Rolex Explorer Ref. 1016 Gilt tropical

This stunning vintage Rolex 1016 Explorer Gilt is more than just a watch—it’s a timepiece that tells a story of adventure and exploration. With a beautifully preserved case featuring thick, even lugs, this watch embodies the enduring craftsmanship Rolex is known for.
But it’s the dial that truly steals the show. Its original, untouched tropical gilt dial has aged to a breathtaking chocolate hue, with all the lume intact. The hands, still bearing the original lume, add to the allure of this piece, making it an highly sought-after collector’s find. Completing the package is the original Oyster rivited bracelet.

This particular Rolex 1016 has traveled the world, accompanying its owner on a series of unforgettable adventures. Purchased by the original owner in 1973 from Kempen en Vergeer on the corner of the Prinsengracht and the Leidsestraat, this watch quickly became a lifelong companion. Its first major journey was aboard the Trans-Siberian Express, traveling from Hoek van Holland to Vladivostok, then crossing into Japan and returning via China. A striking photo of the watch atop Mt. Fuji in 1975 is part of its storied legacy.

In 1979, the Explorer 1016 went on a year-long backpacking trip across South America, with a memorable photo taken deep in the Amazon. It also braved a foot trek across Corsica in 1990, a journey it repeated in 2006. In 2012, the watch ventured through Korea, followed by an adventure in New England, USA in 2015, and another visit to Japan in 2016. It even embarked on a cycling trip to southern France in 2018 and made its way to Nepal and Tibet in 2019, with a poignant visit to the Mountaineering Museum in Pokhara, where the first model of the Rolex Explorer 1 used by Sir Edmund Hillary is on display.
In 2020, the Explorer joined its owner for a tent-camping trip through New Zealand, and although there are no photos from colder regions like Tierra del Fuego, Iceland, or the North Cape, the watch was always there, even if hidden beneath layers of clothing.

This Rolex 1016 Explorer Gilt isn’t just a watch; it’s a living chronicle making true of its and endurance, having witnessed and weathered the extremes of the world. With documented photos to prove its incredible journey, this is a timepiece for true adventurers, ready for its next chapter.