The Explorer was launched in 1953 to celebrate the ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. As with most iconic vintage watches today, the Explorer originated as a tool watch marketed to mountaineers with its strong, durable case and highly legible dial. Introduced in 1955, Rolex’s reference 6610 was a new generation Explorer wristwatch with an updated movement, caliber 1030, which allowed for a flatter case back. The new Explorer presented a more modern and sleek appearance compared to earlier references fitted with the thicker caliber A296 that required a rounded “bubble back” type case. The Explorer dial has a minimalist appeal with a “3-6-9” numeral configuration, housed in a robust, 36 mm Oyster case. Unlike its successor reference 6610 displayed "Officially Certified Chronometer", at the six position, while the reference 1016 would use the “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” designation.

Featuring the Explorer’s classic glossy black, gilt dial with “3-6-9” hour numerals that characterize Rolex’s Explorer models, the present watch is an all original, extremely well-preserved example. The case in our opinion was never polished or restored in any way – even its original curved, crystal was never replaced. Fitted with its original and extremely rare, ‘big white lollipop’ seconds hand, its luminous dial and hands have aged charismatically to a mocha hue. It is furthermore fitted with its factory original Oyster bracelet with matching date code, making it a superb example of a rare and coveted early Explorer reference.