Now admittedly at 36mm it doesn’t have the most pronounced presence on the wrist nevertheless that’s one of the things that makes it such an attractive option as an everyday watch. There are of course though two key differences, one clearly visible, the other not so much. It’s no secret that the humble Rolex Explorer often gets overlooked in favor of its more popular siblings the Submariner and the GMT Master.
Plus it’s seriously cool. At first glance it looks like a fairly standard Rolex Explorer 1016, a superb watch in its own right and one that still remains popular amongst enthusiasts today, even in spite of its quartz movement. Except the watch we have here for you today is not an Oyster Quartz but rather an replica Rolex Explorer 1016 Double Header. Confused? Good, read on.
The Rolex Explorer 1016 was the most common series made and was in production for over 25 years, which is why today we can show you two different versions from two different eras. As the dial fades over time it takes on its own unique character. The first an absolute classic from 1965, the second a pristine R-series from 1987, possibly one of the last pieces ever made of this now iconic series.
As you have just heard Reginald Brack – Director of Private replica Watch Sales for Christie’s – explain in the above video, the first Rolex Explorer we have for you today features a gorgeous gilt dial in excellent condition.
As Reg points out in the video nevertheless, this dial of this Rolex Explorer is particularly attractive because it has not been ‘burned-out’ by the radioactive radium used at the time to provide luminosity.
Presented on a non-original leather strap, this is a classic dress watch you can wear just about anywhere, with the golden dial giving it just that little something extra.On the wrist it is a thing of beauty.
This particular model is an R Series, the last series of 1016’s ever produced and as you can see not much has changed in the 22 years or so that separate these two models.As I have discussed in previous articles a ‘gilt dial’ generally means all the markings on the dial are coated in gold, although sometimes a single line may be left in white.
The dial is easily readable, with large luminous triangle at 12, pronounced Arabic numerals at 3, 6 and 9 and Mercedes style hands, like the Submariner. At the other end of the scale we have this stylish Rolex replica watches, with a more subdued matte dial and original steel bracelet. The R-Series is more subtle on the wrist though thanks to its matte dial and is really the type of watch I could see myself wearing every day.
For me this makes it the perfect everyday watch. It has the classic understated style of an Rolex Explorer but with the added bonus of a mechanical movement. Best of all, only the most observant of connoisseurs will actually pick up on the subtle distinction, meaning that those around you will be constantly underestimating you and your wrist wear, which can be quite advantageous in business.