This Gilt dial Rolex Explorer ref. 1016 left the Rolex factory with a very rare dial.

Produced in 1964 when watchmakers switched from using Radium to Tritium luminous, but before the introduction of the "T Swiss" designation. It is thought that Rolex marked these transitional dials with a subtle silver underline visible below the 'SCOC' designation.

This particular dial combination was in production for less than a year, with the open minute track, 'Swiss only' signature and neat little underline, and it just so happens that this vintage Explorer has aged in spectacular fashion, with perfect untouched dark brown/black glossy gilt dial, and is extremely rare to find with all original factory hands and lume from 1964.

A truly outstanding example of an important transitional dial in the history of the chronometer rated Explorer 1016.