1016 Check

[visualplane]

Does this check out to be authentic, all original and unpolished? Thanks again.

https://imgur.com/a/p7WaFmd

[TuRo]

Only had a minute to look, but check the dial against this one - as this MARK 4 is the only version where the base of the > is touching the 29 minute marker.

https://explorer1016.com/matte/mark-4/

[MrBlobby]

It does seem to match the mk4.

On the mk4 the right hand side of the X in Rolex is above the right hand upright of the u in perpetual. This one appears to be above the left hand upright.

[MrBlobby]

Is it a service dial?

https://explorer1016.com/matte/service-dials/

I’d say not as the Rolex font seems too thick.

[MrBlobby]

Also the E in explorer looks strange. The top half is thicker than the bottom.

[visualplane]

Per description of the seller:

Vintage 1016 Explorer, 1983. Unpolished, All Original, Pumpkin Patina, Near Perfection
This is one of the nicest examples I've ever seen or owned. From a collectability standpoint it checks every box. If you are looking for a 1016, this is the one.
> Case is unpolished with fat square lugs, original brushed finish on top of lugs.
> 8.15m serial with no porosity or corrosion anywhere. Engravings clear and crisp, fully legible on both sides.
> Original MK5 dial without a blemish or scratch. Uniform beautiful Matte dial.
> Patina has turned to a light "pumpkin" orange/yellow. Nothing missing, no chips.
> Hands also match dial patina, 100% original Tritium. NOTHING re-lumed.
> 78360 SEL Bracelet stamped H (1983) with 580 ends. Tight like new, 13 FULL links.
> Keeping perfect time, within 1 second a day with high amplitude. Ready to wear with NO service needed.
> Genuine OEM crystal is clean and clear, no cracks or crazing.

[Dan S]

Based on some of the lug holes it’s definitely not unpolished. Sellers are so full of BS about that these days. Everything is supposedly unpolished. So ridiculous. And the lugs have been re-brushed in an amateurish way. But the lugs look pretty thick at first glance. And overall it might be a nice case but I’d want to see a straight on photo from the back with the bracelet removed.

The color and texture of the lume looks a little weird to me TBH. Maybe it’s fine, but I’d look closely.

[MrBlobby]

Very blobby writing.

Look at the superlative chronometer official certified. It looks a bit weird to me.

[MrBlobby]

Typeface c on the case stamp for this serial?

Does the 1 look right in the serial number?
https://explorer1016.com/components/case/

Maybe I’m misunderstanding the guide?

[visualplane]

Originally Posted by MrBlobby

Very blobby writing.

Look at the superlative chronometer official certified. It looks a bit weird to me.

Yeah, it's pretty blobby.

[MrBlobby]

Is it this from 2021?

https://forums.timezone.com/index.ph...=2443687&rid=0

I was unaware of
NOTE: This particular dial is a fat font printed MK5. Just like bezel inserts, as print pads started to wear out the
fonts would get fatter and start to touch or "kiss". many dealers/collectors put a higher value on unique dials, just like fat font inserts command premiums.

[visualplane]

Originally Posted by MrBlobby

Is it this from 2021?

https://forums.timezone.com/index.ph...=2443687&rid=0

I was unaware of
NOTE: This particular dial is a fat font printed MK5. Just like bezel inserts, as print pads started to wear out the
fonts would get fatter and start to touch or "kiss". many dealers/collectors put a higher value on unique dials, just like fat font inserts command premiums.

Yes, based on the description, it's pretty much almost identical to the posting I saw.

"This is one of the nicest examples I've ever seen or owned. From a collectability standpoint it checks every box. If you are looking for a 1016, this is the one."

[Dan S]

So the watch was supposedly sold two years ago but now for sale again. Or identical watch with same first digits of serial.

I just hate that listing so much.

[MrBlobby]

Is this correct?

NOTE: This particular dial is a fat font printed MK5. Just like bezel inserts, as print pads started to wear out the
fonts would get fatter and start to touch or "kiss". many dealers/collectors put a higher value on unique dials, just like fat font inserts command premiums.

[visualplane]

Originally Posted by Dan S

So the watch was supposedly sold two years ago but now for sale again.

Correct

[MrBlobby]

Sorry to keep asking but does this happen?


NOTE: This particular dial is a fat font printed MK5. Just like bezel inserts, as print pads started to wear out the
fonts would get fatter and start to touch or "kiss". many dealers/collectors put a higher value on unique dials, just like fat font inserts command premiums.


I don’t think I’ve seen it before. Also the minute markers aren’t “fat”. I’m not sure how the white writing and markers are applied.

[TuRo]

I'm not at all sure about that dial tbh. Like to hear Xeramic (Gerhard's) or Mike Woods views tbh.

[MrBlobby]

Thanks for the reply,

The proportions seems right for the mk5 but it just looks odd.

I also think the 1 in the serial number looks wrong for the typeface but perhaps it wasn’t a full impression, or has worn away, or I’m just wrong.

The sloppy white print is of particular interest to me. I’d like to se other examples as I just don’t think I’ve seen that before.