One of the most outstanding tropical dial Explorer's we've ever seen.

We purchased this 1963 ref 1016 many years ago from family Jeweller Austin Kaye in the Strand who (whilst trading) were responsible for unearthing some of the worlds rarest and most beautiful watches.

The chestnut-brown tropical dial on this vintage Explorer is without doubt the best we've ever seen. The gilt typeface is debossed within the warm caramel tones of the glossy brown closed chapter ring dial, rendering this early 60's example unique. The tritium hour markers & matching hands are factory original and extremely well preserved.

The small lume dot below '6' is synonymous to the 501-105*** serial range of these gilt "SCOC" dials, as Rolex shifted to tritium luminous, whilst still adopting the radium 'swiss only' demarcation. This outstanding example is fitted to a 69' stamped 6636 expanding riveted Oyster bracelet, powered by the superlative chronometre automatic calibre 1560, and waterproof to 60m. 

Presented with its Austin Kaye purchase receipt and vintage green Rolex box.