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JamesL1680
·Thanks to OF for the space.
Up for sale is my Rolex Explorer Ref. 1016 with a gilt, chapter ring dial. I purchased this watch from a fellow forum member, who (famously) bought it from the estate of the original owner - a "drawer find," quite literally. Serial number is 901xxx, dating it to ~1963.
On to the details...
Dial/Hands: The dial is impeccable, completely mirror gloss (no evidence of going matte whatsoever) with original recessed radium lume that has aged to a beautiful yellow hue. The gilt print is sharp and crisp. The hands are early tritium service units - likely from the late 60s as they do not retain a UV charge, but they have aged with the dial lume incredibly well. My understanding is hand replacements were not uncommon on these watches, as there are several well known examples out there aside from this one (the tell is that the tip of the minute hand does not reach the chapter ring).
Case: Excellent condition - though I will not say unpolished (impossible to know for sure), it has been treated properly.
Movement: The watch has not been serviced in my possession, but is keeping good time. I am not selling this watch with a service guarantee.
Bracelet: This watch is sold head only.
Bonus: The watch is accompanied by the original retailer's box from Philippe Beguin in Geneva (for what it's worth in "cool factor" - the same retailer that sold the Rolex "Bao Dai" Ref. 6062).
On to pricing...
I am asking $26,000 for this watch, and am happy to hear offers. In looking for/at comps, I would stress that while there are other gilt chapter ring Explorers out there, examples with a dial in this condition, attractive lume, and traceable provenance are few and far between.
The price includes fully insured shipping within CONUS (strongly preferred). Local pick-up is also welcome in the NYC area. I may ship internationally on a case by case basis, fully insured only and at the buyer's cost. For a transaction this size, I would prefer bank wire, but I would consider a partial payment through Paypal if that is of interest (you assume fees if you prefer not to use Friends & Family). I can provide references relating to purchases from and sales to fellow OF members on request, you should be able to do the same.
Now on to the best part - the photos! If there are other photos you'd like to see, please reach out and I can add accordingly in the comments. Additionally, I can share some photos taken by the previous owner privately, as well as video footage of the dial in natural light. Alternatively, you can see more photos of the watch "in the wild" on Instagram @watchaholicnyc. Thanks for looking!
Up for sale is my Rolex Explorer Ref. 1016 with a gilt, chapter ring dial. I purchased this watch from a fellow forum member, who (famously) bought it from the estate of the original owner - a "drawer find," quite literally. Serial number is 901xxx, dating it to ~1963.
On to the details...
Dial/Hands: The dial is impeccable, completely mirror gloss (no evidence of going matte whatsoever) with original recessed radium lume that has aged to a beautiful yellow hue. The gilt print is sharp and crisp. The hands are early tritium service units - likely from the late 60s as they do not retain a UV charge, but they have aged with the dial lume incredibly well. My understanding is hand replacements were not uncommon on these watches, as there are several well known examples out there aside from this one (the tell is that the tip of the minute hand does not reach the chapter ring).
Case: Excellent condition - though I will not say unpolished (impossible to know for sure), it has been treated properly.
Movement: The watch has not been serviced in my possession, but is keeping good time. I am not selling this watch with a service guarantee.
Bracelet: This watch is sold head only.
Bonus: The watch is accompanied by the original retailer's box from Philippe Beguin in Geneva (for what it's worth in "cool factor" - the same retailer that sold the Rolex "Bao Dai" Ref. 6062).
On to pricing...
I am asking $26,000 for this watch, and am happy to hear offers. In looking for/at comps, I would stress that while there are other gilt chapter ring Explorers out there, examples with a dial in this condition, attractive lume, and traceable provenance are few and far between.
The price includes fully insured shipping within CONUS (strongly preferred). Local pick-up is also welcome in the NYC area. I may ship internationally on a case by case basis, fully insured only and at the buyer's cost. For a transaction this size, I would prefer bank wire, but I would consider a partial payment through Paypal if that is of interest (you assume fees if you prefer not to use Friends & Family). I can provide references relating to purchases from and sales to fellow OF members on request, you should be able to do the same.
Now on to the best part - the photos! If there are other photos you'd like to see, please reach out and I can add accordingly in the comments. Additionally, I can share some photos taken by the previous owner privately, as well as video footage of the dial in natural light. Alternatively, you can see more photos of the watch "in the wild" on Instagram @watchaholicnyc. Thanks for looking!
