2016 Explorer 1, great even without the date?

[DCheeta]

I've always preferred watches without the date. They're more symmetrical, and setting the date is a pain in the arse. Explorer is a fantastic watch, maybe the purest expression of the Rolex sport watch.

Now that I think of it, why don't I have one?

[datejust24]

The 1016 is the epitome of what an iconic and perfectly designed classic tool watch is and Speedolex has an absolutely gorgeous gorgeous example...imo Rolex' vintage sports watches are by far and above my all time favorite references...the simplistic matte dial and lack of date complication are what make me love some of the vintage Rolex references i.e. The 1016,5513/12,1019 even a 1665 due to the lack of the cyclops bc that's what really turns me off about having a date. ...I don't need a date function and don't intend on ever owning a model WITH a date function with the exception of a Tudor Big Block or maybe a matte 16660 SD. Out of all the modern Rolex, I'm drawn to the 116600 for that very reason along with the domed crystal and thinner lugs. I wish Rolex would consider somewhat of a slight case re design but I know that's very wishful thinking...my experience with owning the 114060 was extremely disappointing (and short lived)due to just how uncomfortable the the new case was to me...I didn't think I would ever regret selling my beloved 14060M F serial as much as I did once I had it...within 2 months it was gone and the watch after that was gone within a month due to what I believe was fate. I came across my dream watch ...my beautiful '74 maxi dial 5512 Sub.....what an iconic watch just as the 1016!!...I'm not knocking anyone for owning modern pieces, there are plenty of beautiful references, however I just prefer simplicity and vintage seems to check all the boxes for me because of those reasons.

[Rocket_Man]

If you put a date on this watch it would change the entire character of the watch. There was a period when the Explorer did have a date. The Explorer Date (ref 5700?) but to me it just didn't look right and thankfully it is still sans date.

[Ckci]

Originally Posted by datejust24

The 1016 is the epitome of what an iconic and perfectly designed classic tool watch is and Speedolex has an absolutely gorgeous gorgeous example...imo Rolex' vintage sports watches are by far and above my all time favorite references...the simplistic matte dial and lack of date complication are what make me love some of the vintage Rolex references i.e. The 1016,5513/12,1019 even a 1665 due to the lack of the cyclops bc that's what really turns me off about having a date. ...I don't need a date function and don't intend on ever owning a model WITH a date function with the exception of a Tudor Big Block or maybe a matte 16660 SD. Out of all the modern Rolex, I'm drawn to the 116600 for that very reason along with the domed crystal and thinner lugs. I wish Rolex would consider somewhat of a slight case re design but I know that's very wishful thinking...my experience with owning the 114060 was extremely disappointing (and short lived)due to just how uncomfortable the the new case was to me...I didn't think I would ever regret selling my beloved 14060M F serial as much as I did once I had it...within 2 months it was gone and the watch after that was gone within a month due to what I believe was fate. I came across my dream watch ...my beautiful '74 maxi dial 5512 Sub.....what an iconic watch just as the 1016!!...I'm not knocking anyone for owning modern pieces, there are plenty of beautiful references, however I just prefer simplicity and vintage seems to check all the boxes for me because of those reasons.

Well said Chris and I totally agree!

Also Speedolex you have some great watches. Thanks for posting you 1016. I'm now on the hunt for a 1016 or 5500 Exp. I remember your very enjoyable post about your trip to Hong Kong and the many great vintage shops there. It was a great travel post that ended with the purchase of a great watch.


Russell

[speedolex]

Originally Posted by Ckci

Well said Chris and I totally agree!

Also Speedolex you have some great watches. Thanks for posting you 1016. I'm now on the hunt for a 1016 or 5500 Exp. I remember your very enjoyable post about your trip to Hong Kong and the many great vintage shops there. It was a great travel post that ended with the purchase of a great watch.


Russell

Thank you for the kind words, the trip to Hong Kong was amazing, definitely get there if you can.

Happy 1016 hunting, it's a lot of fun.

[Xeer]

For purposes of sharing my love for the Explorer

1016:


14270:


Last but not least, the new 2016 214270 Explorer 1:

[UnicoJG]

Originally Posted by Xeer

For purposes of sharing my love for the Explorer

1016:


14270:


Last but not least, the new 2016 214270 Explorer 1:

Wow! Now that's love!

[speedolex]

Originally Posted by Xeer

For purposes of sharing my love for the Explorer

Quite the trifecta. Great shots.

[Ckci]

Originally Posted by Xeer

For purposes of sharing my love for the Explorer

1016:


14270:


Last but not least, the new 2016 214270 Explorer 1:

[Rags]

Love the dial on the Explorer 1 nice and clean.

[Rolex fan 61]

Why dont you use the date on your mobile phone????

[visualplane]

Beautiful photos xeer.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[Tseg]

I've been anti-no-date since I started buying watches... but 8 watches later the new EXP I has really moved up on "want" meter. I'm digging the simplicity of it all, finally. Of course, easy to say when I have 8 other options to fall back on if I do get a hankering to see the date.

[mattty]

If you don't wear your watch daily its one less thing to set up when you decide to do so!

[RobJordan]

the great thing about the exp1 not having a date aperture is the symmetry of the dial. It's a small detail but it's really pleasing to the eye.

[gav329]

Beautiful watch, my good lady has the exp1 and I think partly the reason it's such a beautiful watch is coz it has no date. I think the bubble would spoil it tbh. I've got sub and exp2 love the date bubble but exp1 perfect without.


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[jhunter3]

Date for me is purely stylistic. Hardly ever refer to it in a useful way. I look for watches that reflect my style and personality.

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[schwartz914]

exp ii for me! hope they make a 40 again some day!

[captain_NEMO]

A watch in its most simplistic form. Exactly what it's made for - to tell time and tell time accurately.

Utilitarian, elegant and far from being pretentious. And with an engineering marvel inside, what's there not to like??