Rolex 1016 Explorer Questions...

[onehotchili]

So in the last year or so.... I've been getting back into watches after a long hiatus. A little while back, I picked up a 14060M COSC from a fellow forum member as my daily wearer/beater and love it. I live an active lifestyle and it goes with me to the office / hiking / swimming / standup paddling... just about every where except running where I stick with a lightweight Timex with a lap counter. :) Initially I had debated between a 5513 vs 14060m as my first watch.... at the advise of many folks went with the 14060m.

Now I am beginning my search for my vintage "daily office" watch. While I was going to go with a 5513/5512... I am REALLY liking the 1016 Explorer and the ability to dress it up and/or down. I have pretty small wrists so I also like the 36mm size.

Now my question is... I don't see many for sale? Are they that rare? Also the ones that I do see seem to go for more $$$ than a comparable 5513. While I don't want or need a "museum collectors piece", it appears the range is between $5k "questionable Ebay Frankenwatches" to $10k+ watches with full box and papers. There don't seem to be very many watches in the ~$6k range that are not overly polished -or- unmolested. Does this seem to be a fair assessment of the 1016 market?

I guess I am just trying to figure out what my budget range should be for a decent piece and what I need to keep my eyes peeled for. Since I am pretty new to this vintage game, I have just been reading and learning!

Anyhow, I know folks like pictures of what people have.... so here is a quick an' dirty iPhone photo of my 14060m with one of Jedly's vintage straps. I normally wear the bracelet but switched it up for the 4th of July. :) What do you think, a vintage 1016 would look nice on that strap, eh?