Explorer 1016 Gilt advice

Hi everyone,

I have been offered the opportunity to buy this 1016 explorer, and while I was not actively looking for a gilt explorer, it provides an opportunity to pick up an awesome piece. I have a tudor ranger, and love the 3,6,9 dial so could be interested in picking it up if I'm able to gather some funds.


These are the photos so far, but don't have a clear one of the dial (waiting for a better one).

It looks to be a swiss only dial, which would be correct for the proposed date of 1/60. I probably won't get a look the internals until I have it in my hands. It also has the 'frog foot' coronet (i think) which i have seen on other examples. Again would like to know if this is correct?

The hands looks to be a slightly different colour, so could be relumed?

The endlinks are marked as 580, but i'm not sure if they look correct? they looked to be stamped very high up the endlink, and the shape just doesn't look quite right.

I presume that the bracelet is a 78360 (solid links + non locking clasp), but again the photos are lacking detail. Where these produced in 1976 (as indicated by the A marked clasp?), but i also note that the 78360 isn't stamped on the clasp (is this ok?)

Anyway, I will add clearer photos when received but was just wondering for the experts advice 😀 Thanks!

Hi
Looks ok hands changed or relumed, the bracelet is later version but end links are from around 1960,s think mine are 580 end links. The money is in the dial which cannot see that good.

I have a 1016 database and dial catalogue that I'm in the process of turning into a resource website for collectors. On a personal note, I have a 1016 from the same era as the one you're looking at. According to what I have, that dial variation is usually seen on watches with a 51xxxx-59xxxx serial. Most all of the later ones 9xxxxx have an underline or exclamation mark. It isn't referred to as a 'frog foot' though, that refers specifically to a variation of the matte dial coronet. I don't think this one has a nickname. Below is are reference pictures of your dial type and the 'frog foot.'

The dial itself looks pretty tired (all the lacquer seems to have matted out) but depends on the aesthetic you like. From a valuation standpoint it's definitely not as collectable. Hands are either replaced or relumed, as you mention - should have a flat hour hand if it's original/relumed and not replaced (the later ones have a slight curvature/convexity to them) and the minute and seconds hand should just reach the chapter ring. The dial lume, if original, should glow intensely to UV and then fade quickly. Looks to have a good case and possibly cracked crystal (someone looks odd from 2-3 o'clock at the edge). Bracelet is later, should have a 7206 or 6636 or C&I rivet bracelet.

Your dial:


Frog foot dial:

Wow mate!

Thanks for the info , this is why I love the community!

So from the photos, does the dial look correct?

The seller is in the process of sending a couple more of the dial, so hopefully will get a better idea soon.

If the dial is good, how difficult would be getting a correct set of hands or having them restored to match the dial?

Also in this state do you know what value range the watch could have?

Thanks!

first thing I'm looking at with vintage is a "solid" dial. this one looks tired and a reason to pass. (most of the value is in the dial and the hardest part to find/replace.)