Vintage Explorer 36mm Plexi Steel

The Rolex Explorer 1016 is what vintage Rolex collecting is all about—a proper tool watch that's stood the test of time. Produced from 1963 to 1989, this 36mm stainless steel beauty remained virtually unchanged throughout its epic 26-year run. Our team particularly loves how the matte black dial with painted luminous 3-6-9 Arabic numerals has aged gracefully, developing that subtle patina that tells a story of adventures past. The high-dome acrylic crystal and steel bezel keep it period-correct, exactly as it should be.

Under the hood, caliber 1560 powers this historic timepiece with around 42 hours of power reserve. The screw-down crown ensures 100m water resistance, while the steel Oyster bracelet shows typical period stretch—nothing alarming, just honest wear from decades of faithful service. This is a watch that accompanied explorers to extreme environments, from Everest to the Amazon, always delivering reliable timekeeping when it mattered most.

Buy this used Rolex Explorer from Master Luxury as a watch-only example. Our experts have thoroughly inspected this piece, confirming excellent mechanical condition despite being decades old. With about 30 years of production, finding authentic Rolex Explorer 1016 watches in this condition is becoming increasingly difficult. This represents both exceptional daily wearability and strong investment potential—a genuine piece of Rolex history that's only getting rarer with time.