Advice needed on Explorer 1 circa 1989

[c3pastor]

Hi Guys! I have chance to purchase a circa 1989 Explorer 1 for $1750. Excellent condition, 1 owner, no box or papers... Is that in the reasonable ballpark? Any input would be helpful! Thanks in advance!

[buz-lh]

I would think from 1500-2000 depending on condition would be reasonable so you're right in the ballpark.

[AndersB]

Is it a 1016? Provided it's real price sounds reasonable considering that there are no papers. Has it been serviced recently?

[c3pastor]

been in safe since 1990...

[Tools]

I don't know if I could get the money out of my pocket fast enough...........

[Lol-x]

I want it NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Grab it

[AndersB]

And then have it serviced by Rolex. The papers you get from them will be just as good as the original certificate.

[Xenophon]

I wish I could get an offer like that, it never happens to me

[jdc]

congratulations on a bargain, post pictures when you get it

[Rolex116520]

Go for it ! Just make sure it doesn't come out of a 300 usd lot somewhere in Georgia.....

[Colnago]

Originally Posted by Rolex116520

Go for it ! Just make sure it doesn't come out of a 300 usd lot somewhere in Georgia.....

Ha ha...Yves, you crack me up....brilliant!!!

[c3pastor]

Thanks guys!! Is it a good idea to get service and new papers? idea

[jdc]

Originally Posted by c3pastor

Thanks guys!! Is it a good idea to get service and new papers? idea

would give you provenance and a watch you would not have to worry about servicing again for 7 years. For the price you are getting its worth a makeover

[c3pastor]

Picked up watch today! When I send to RSC for service, should i get hands and face replaced to make watch look more "current" or just the regular service. The dial and hands are in great condition, just a little weathered looking from age... This is my first "older" time piece... thanks for input!

[c3pastor]

Also having difficult time uploading photos... need some direction on that so you can see the watch. Many thanks! c3p

[Saxon007]

Originally Posted by c3pastor

Picked up watch today! When I send to RSC for service, should i get hands and face replaced to make watch look more "current" or just the regular service. The dial and hands are in great condition, just a little weathered looking from age... This is my first "older" time piece... thanks for input!

I would keep the original dial and hands.

[Saxon007]

Originally Posted by c3pastor

Also having difficult time uploading photos... need some direction on that so you can see the watch. Many thanks! c3p

You'll need webspace to host the photos and then you can link to them. Your ISP may have space you can use or you can go somewhere like photobucket.com

[mcjp6]

You can post pictures without having any webspace/photobucket. Assuming your images are on your hard drive, then when posting or replying in a thread just click the little paper clip symbol in the menu bar. this will let you attach an image(s) to your post....

[c3pastor]

Will give that a shot! Many thanks!

[rolexcd]

Looking forward to your photos!!!

[glimmer]

Hope to see photos soon! Congratulations....

[c3pastor]

Watch Model No. 1016
Serial No 562xxx
Movement No.*** 063171
Caliber No.**** 1570
Bracelet No.*** 62510H (Link Count 10 x 12)

Here is what svc found... Thoughts from you amazing helpers?

[acce1999]

Originally Posted by c3pastor

Watch Model No. 1016
Serial No 562xxx
Movement No.*** 063171
Caliber No.**** 1570
Bracelet No.*** 62510H (Link Count 10 x 12)

Here is what svc found... Thoughts from you amazing helpers?

A Rolex Explorer 1016 for 1500 to 2000 USD is a great buy, almost regardless of how it looks!

BUT:

A serial number 562 XXX is from the early sixties (!)... A serial 5 62X XXX is from ca 1978-79. A 1989 1016 should have a serial number that starts with an R (and six numbers) or L, and be one of the very last 1016 ever made.

Also, an Explorer from the sixties should have a 7836 bracelet, one from 1978 or 1989 a 78360 bracelet (both Oyster bracelets). The 62510 is the Jubilee, and it could be ordered like that, but it is unusual.

Caliber 1570 says it should be serial number 5 62X XXX, from the late 1970's (or 1989). Earlier models had the 1560.

Check your serial number again. That, and hence the year, is the only thing I am uncertain about.

And: Post pictures! The 1016 is perhaps my absolute favourite!

I am convinced you did a great buy here!

Best,

A

[Brushpup]

Me too, would love to see that, please share when you can.

[c3pastor]

Sent to RSC and they said they need to replace the hands, but they would not match the lume on dial. So, I pulled trigger and RSC will replace crystal, crown, tube, hands, face, service the movment, buff the case and bracelet... discovered the watch is from 1979 not 1989... 3-4 weeks until "new" old explorer 1.... wahoo!

[SLS]

Originally Posted by c3pastor

Sent to RSC and they said they need to replace the hands, but they would not match the lume on dial. So, I pulled trigger and RSC will replace crystal, crown, tube, hands, face, service the movment, buff the case and bracelet... discovered the watch is from 1979 not 1989... 3-4 weeks until "new" old explorer 1.... wahoo!

I would have kept the dial & hands original, but congrats.
Scott

[c3pastor]

i wanted to, but RSC said hands and minor damage (age i guess) and that they would not do a "partial service"... dial was ok, but did not want no lume on dial with new hands... they also will not send old ones back :( but... will get a fully serviced watch, good for years to come... i appreciate all you guys and gals for your input!
peace!!

[Davvan]

...really....for that price ...it´s a bargain....they usually go for around $ 4000 and up......but it´s a shame that you decided to replace the dial & hands... your choice of course...but according to me...they are a part of the watch history....and if you care about value....it´s all in the face and hands

But never the less...it´s a great find......wear it in good health

BR

David