Rolex 1016

[Lol-x]

The legendary 1016 has a lot of accolades, also there was a lot of marketing of the early model Explorer in being worn or used in an expedition to the top of Mt. Everest.

Notably Rolex, in a mid 1980's publication, recites a testamonial letter sent to it in 1976 from a military officer who being one person who in only 3% of the US Army had successfully endured the 9 week Ranger Course at West Point and who stated of his 1016 Explorer:

"I cannot adequately describe the severe abuse my watch was subjected to in the course of the 9 weeks involved. Pounded on obstacle courses and confidence tests; battered in day-after-day of patrolling mountains, jungles, and swamp; immersed for extended periods in mud, river, and ocean; jolted in rappels from cliffsides and helicopters......My Rolex never failed. It was often the only watch available, as others were reluctant to wear theirs, or had already broken them."

Yes, (I kid you not) I can say that is a true story, I have personally spoken to the now Colonel, Director of Staff, NATO Joint Forces Command, Naples Italy, who until yesterday didn't even know Rolex published his 1976 letter.

Since the 1976 letter the Colonel's Explorer endured numerous other rugged encounters, and never missed a beat (until it was stolen in the 1990's).

Thank you Colonel, incredible story. As a tribute here is a photo of my 1990 ("L" serial) 1016 Explorer.