Explorer 1016 on ebay

[Sav10001]

Hello, i'm new round here, hoping to get some advise on the 1969 explorer currently on ebay from thewatchguysuk for £3850

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rolex-Expl...:X:RTQ:GB:1123

any thoughts / advise greatly appreciated!

[GeoGio Greece]

Shown as sold. I dont like the dial, the bars, the bracelet. IMO its not a "clean" watch.

[morafa4]

I'm not all too familiar with earlier Explorers - but I've never seen springbars that protrude out lugholes..

[waspy1]

The lugs are a little over polished but do note that the 1016 needs special springbars which are shorter than on other models. If you fit the wrong one then it'll look like the one in the pic even if the lugs are fine. A very cheap fix so don't let that put you off.


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[Sav10001]

thanks for the replies, i've bought the watch with a 14 day return, can anyone advise on restoring the hands? is it even possible? Secondly, how much worth is there in an original strap on a watch like this? I'm thinking of changing to a leather strap.
Any thoughts much appreciated.

[dexvd]

It's my understanding that restoring the hands or replacing the original hands would effect the resale value of the watch negatively, however, if it is to meet your own preferences and you don't care about resale than I am sure there are lots of options. I prefer to maintain original patina personally.

[waspy1]

The bracelet has a decent value but will depend on condition. Stretch and dents will knock this down. Decent condition you can expect about 500 quid given that the clasp has been replaced. The hands look ok to be honest but if it really bothers you, yes they can be painted to match the dial.


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[Sav10001]

thanks for the replies, i've done a lot of research and cant see a problem with the dial as mentioned above, the bracelet is correct ( other than replacement clasp), can anyone explain what a matte dial is? and if not matte, what is this? thanks. as always

[adam78]

matte

adjective

1.(of a color, paint, or surface) dull and flat, without a shine.
"matte black"

In dial terminology, it is the opposite of "gloss", which is characteristic of the previous "gilt-gloss" dials.

This one has white printing, and is matte.

[Sav10001]

thanks Adam!

[swish77]

In addition to some of the issues mentioned above, I'd be concerned that the serial number is not fully legible, according to the listing. That would be a deal-breaker for me.

[Sav10001]

thanks for the replies, is there any other way of confirming the serial number of a watch? do other members think that this issue is a deal-breaker. Its a beautiful watch, but obviously i need to think about its future value. Could i get it authenticaged by Rolex? Do they even proivde that service?

[Cesium133]

The only other way to verify the serial number is with the papers, which the watch does not come with. Also, Rolex will not service a watch that has had its serial numbers removed. Sorry, but you'll need to contact an independent watch specialist if you want the watch serviced.

[southtexas]

You got good advice here and at VRF. How you act on it is up to you. There will be another watch for you just around the next corner...


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[Sav10001]

thanks everyone, watch returned. I will start again, this time with more knowledge.

[Sav10001]

if anyone can point me in the direction of a mid to late 60's explorer 1016 or sub that ticks all the right boxes, that would be most appreciated! Should I trust Chrono24 sellers more than ebay?

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by Sav10001

Should I trust Chrono24 sellers more than ebay?

Generally speaking, NO. At least with eBay you receive some buyer protection. In my opinion, Chrono24 is a glorified Craigslist. That being said, "buy the seller". I'm sure that some reputable sellers advertise on Chrono24, so research the watch and the seller equally.