163
Rolex
Ref. 1016, further stamped 1.69 inside the caseback
Explorer
A very rare and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with black dial and certificate, retailed by Astrua
- Estimate
- CHF12,000 - 18,000€11,000 - 16,500$12,400 - 18,600
CHF18,750
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- 1969
- Reference No
- 1016, further stamped 1.69 inside the caseback
- Movement No
- 759'559
- Case No
- 2'167'425
- Model Name
- Explorer
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, reference 7836, end links stamped 258, max length 200mm.
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel folding deployant clasp, stamped 3.71
- Dimensions
- 36mm. Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by punched Rolex chronometer certificate and guarantee confirming sale of the present watch by Astrua, Torino on August 31st, 1972
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The Explorer line of watches is one of Rolex’s most successful and recognizable models. With its combination of baton and iconic 3-6-9 hour markers, its minimalist style makes it one of the most legible and attractive dial configurations found on any watch. This highly collectible Explorer from 1969 is further enhanced by the prestigious and rarely seen "Astrua" retailer’s signature found on the dial.
Astrua was founded in 1860 in Turin by Vincenzo Astrua to sell and repair pendulum clocks and pocket watches. It was one of only a very select few firms privileged enough to be allowed to put their name on a Rolex dial. The retailer’s signature is further confirmed with the included Rolex certificate and guarantee, both of which bear Astrua stickers. Combined with its well-preserved case and folded Oyster bracelet, the present watch is a complete and very rare variant of the Explorer model for the connoisseur.
Astrua was founded in 1860 in Turin by Vincenzo Astrua to sell and repair pendulum clocks and pocket watches. It was one of only a very select few firms privileged enough to be allowed to put their name on a Rolex dial. The retailer’s signature is further confirmed with the included Rolex certificate and guarantee, both of which bear Astrua stickers. Combined with its well-preserved case and folded Oyster bracelet, the present watch is a complete and very rare variant of the Explorer model for the connoisseur.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.
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