My vintage Explorer1 1016

[Yankydbro]

Hi Everybody.
I hope this doesn't double-post since I posted earlier from my Ipad. I'm new to this forum and looking for any comments about this watch. I picked this watch out new at a NYC dealer as a gift from my folks in March 1982. I have the original bill ($611), all papers, tags, links, certificate with a a low 4M serial number punched in the paper, and the numbers 170-1/67 written in ink on the manual and bill of sale. What does that mean? Does this mean it is a '74 or '75? Hard to believe it was still for sale new in 1982 but I do remember that these were not popular then, according to the dealer. Also, we had a recession in the later 70's so maybe that explains the old stock if the years are right.

The watch was worn daily for about 18 years and received one Rolex service about 10 years ago, during which they replaced the crystal and the clasp as I had damaged the original having fallen in a driveway basketball game in 1990 wearing it (seems pretty imprudent now). It has always kept excellent time. If it has been polished, it would have been only pretty lightly.

I have seen prices all over the place but mine seems to be in better shape than most of its era and having remained proudly with the original owner. Any comments on value? Not looking to sell. Many thanks. I also have my Dad's 1969 Sub 5512 which he bought new for $275 and the bill of sale but no box or other papers. I'll show that next.

Here is a bad picture but all I have now. The crystal needs a polish after which I'll post some closeups. It has some mild fading maybe and a slight patina but shows much less wear that what i usually see online from others.

[Yankydbro]

trying to get image to post

[donaker]

it might be due to it being on your google drive (which I think may require authentication). Try uploading the image elsewhere and linking to it.

[gnuyork]

Ooo. I do hope you get the image upload figure out - I wanna see it!

[roll9]

i hope your able to get pictures up.

[Aceldama]

looking forward to seeing your pics!

[Yankydbro]

[Yankydbro]

My Dad's watch (a very special college graduation gift to my son) is a '68 or '69 "Meter-First" 5513 Submariner, with a serial number in the very low 2 millions. Great patina as he wore it for many years and was a sailor. I do have the warranty card and a Rolex service receipt but nothing else anymore. I will post better photos and close-ups of them as soon as I can. I am interested in opinions about value, but they are not for sale. Just curious.

[cop414]

While I can't give you any opinion as to the value but I'd like to thank you for sharing your story as well as the pictures. Fantastic provenance! You've been blessed with those two timepieces!

[blowfish89]

Beautiful watch, that should be a keeper !

[Boaters]

Great looking piece

[Yankydbro]

Originally Posted by cop414

While I can't give you any opinion as to the value but I'd like to thank you for sharing your story as well as the pictures. Fantastic provenance! You've been blessed with those two timepieces!

You are so right. While these objects are beautiful in their own right, they are also symbols of our good fortune, no? And the only thing better than buying one is to be given one by someone who loves you.

"You never actually own a (insert item here) You merely take care of it for the next generation." That ad always speaks to me!

[Yankydbro]

How about year? With a very low 4million serial number and oyster bracelet 78360, is this a 1974? 1975? Thanks for any help.

[subx]

Thats a nice complete set you managed to keep together all these years

[roll9]

I'm not sure about the year but great looking watch.

[Widows Son]

Nice, and as Tim stated, you're smart to keep all the goodies intact. Never could figure out why someone would toss that stuff in the trash.

[Yankydbro]

Sorry the crystals aren't in the best shape.

Explorer pics:




Sub Pics:

[LLFaircloth]

Amazing stories for two amazing pieces.

[cop414]

Originally Posted by Yankydbro

You are so right. While these objects are beautiful in their own right, they are also symbols of our good fortune, no? And the only thing better than buying one is to be given one by someone who loves you.

"You never actually own a (insert item here) You merely take care of it for the next generation." That ad always speaks to me!

So very true!

[datejust24]

cool story..thanks for sharing...and beautiful examples as well.

[R-H]

Thanks for sharing your story, 2 beautiful family heirloom watches you have there, value is priceless. Other then that you can check H.Q. Milton, Bob's watches, ect. to get a rough idea of price.

Enjoy

[Brianmac 883]

Originally Posted by Yankydbro

How about year? With a very low 4million serial number and oyster bracelet 78360, is this a 1974? 1975? Thanks for any help.

Based on the chart I have, very low 4,xxx,xxx should be 1974. If very, very low 4 million, could be late 1973. My chart says 1974 started with 4,004,200.

[Yankydbro]

Thanks! I saw a similar chart. Interesting that I bought it new in March of 1982! It is 4081XXX so probably 1974. Gonna get the crystals gently polished and post new pics after. I will be sure to ask them not to polish the metal. I don't think either crystal is original anyway.

[watchpatina]

two gems right there love the 1016 Full Set!!!

[ryansmith]

beautiful