1016 Gilt-Dial?

[davindav]

I have no pics, but I have the opportunity to purchase a beautiful 1016. The seller says it has a gilt-dial, all I know is the watch has a beautiful chocolate dial. Was there a gilt-dial for this model? Can anyone explain the gilt aspect of this dial, are the markers gold/gold-colored?
thanks,
David

[Michael M.]

Yes there was a gilt dial for the 1016, gilt means that the lettering on the dial is gold. Posted two pics of 1016's one gilt and one not, below. Good luck!

Gilt Dial


Non- Gilt

[PhilRF]

Hi davindav -

I have just joined TRF and am looking for a 1016 myself. I have seen a few by now and am quite interested in the older gilt dial models.

Maybe you would allow me to extend this question to Michael M who has posted well detailed pics of the two dials (Thank you for this).

Michael (or anyone else?): when were the gilt dials discontinued? Was there a gilt dial, without the gilt "Rolex Explorer" and "SCOC" lettering? And did gilt dials always come with gilt hands?

Thanks for your help.

philip

[Paul]

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[Michael M.]

Originally Posted by PhilRF

Hi davindav -

I have just joined TRF and am looking for a 1016 myself. I have seen a few by now and am quite interested in the older gilt dial models.

Maybe you would allow me to extend this question to Michael M who has posted well detailed pics of the two dials (Thank you for this).

Michael (or anyone else?): when were the gilt dials discontinued? Was there a gilt dial, without the gilt "Rolex Explorer" and "SCOC" lettering? And did gilt dials always come with gilt hands?

Thanks for your help.

philip

Hello Philip, welcome to TRF! I believe they were discontinued in the mid to late 1960's.

[HL65]

1966 last year.

[Paul]

Straying off topic slightly, I'd suggest potential 1016 owners also consider the 6610.

As 'vintage' as it gets, the 6610 was made until September 1960, preceding the 1016.
Same size case, same good looks, different engine, similarly priced - expensive LOL.

Here's a file photo of a 6610 - very cool IMO

[Michael M.]

Nice watch Paul, looks great!

[PhilRF]

Thanks for your help guys! And amazing great exampl of "gilt" and beautiful pictures.

Paul - are there any visible differences between the 6610 and the gilt 1016?

Again, thanks for yr responses

Phil

[wehttaM]

On has a closed minute track while the other doesn't. I also believe one uses Radium while another uses Tritium.

[Paul]

I'm an enthusiast rather than an expert. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong on these basics -

6610

Has the older 1030 movement
Early examples have the gilt SWISS only, chapter ring dial
Later examples have the white printed dial, no chapter ring (starting to look a lot like a 1016)

1016

Has the 1560 movement, same movement that powered a squillion Rolexes right through the 60's and 70's
Early examples don't hack
Later examples do hack

Dials can't be swapped between the 6610 and 1016 (feet are in different positions).

Rolex still service the 1016 and supply parts for it's 1560 movements but are less accomodating with the older 6610 (spare 1030 movements and parts are out there but not plentiful).

The Explorer 1016 is the newer watch with a newer movement - suggests that it should be the better watch. My watchmaker tells me ALL Rolexes are bulletproof - I believe him.

Here's a 1016 gilt dial (LH) next to a 6610 gilt dial (RH). They've aged a bit differently but they are obviously cut from the same cloth visually