Movement serial number explorer 1016

[denisp]

I'm on my way to buy this Explorer 1016 Gilt type 6.
Do I have to worry about movement serial number begining with a D?
Thanks for your help!
IMG_4998.jpg

IMG_5265.jpg

calib sn.jpg

[Dan S]

If you figure out what those movement numbers mean, please let us know.

[swaini3]

The D should be for watches with dates (1575).

[denisp]

Originally Posted by swaini3

The D should be for watches with dates (1575).

which is not the case here. It's a 1570. I wander if this D for Date is true or a urban legend? If it's true I have to stay away from this watch... I'd like to have the answer in order to make my decision.

[XavierM]

Seems comon on gilt 1016…

Are you confident on these hands ?

[denisp]

Merci Xavier!
It's true that the hands are not corroded. They have not necessarily always shared the life of the watch. But they're authentic, aren't they?

[denisp]

Attachment 1370998

Attachment 1370999

Service hands are supposed to be shorter

[denisp]

IMG_5365b.jpg

IMG_5285.jpg

Service hands are supposed to be shorter

[Andad]

Originally Posted by denisp

which is not the case here. It's a 1570. I wander if this D for Date is true or a urban legend? If it's true I have to stay away from this watch... I'd like to have the answer in order to make my decision.

Looks ok to me.

[denisp]

Thank you.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by denisp

which is not the case here. It's a 1570. I wander if this D for Date is true or a urban legend? If it's true I have to stay away from this watch... I'd like to have the answer in order to make my decision.

When I am in your position, I do my own research. Otherwise, you will still just be in a position to believe what someone tells you on the internet. I spent 5 minutes just now doing a google images search using "rolex 1016 movement" and then following links that showed the part of the movement where the serial number is visible. In that short amount of time, I found some links like the following, and if I were you, I would start a spreadsheet. If you devote an hour or so, I suspect that you can accumulate some good data, and answer the question for yourself. Then you can post the results of your research as a contribution to the forum.

https://sabiwatches.com/product/1968...k-i-matte-dial
https://www.juwelierburger.com/EN/so...rer-1016-15215
https://hqmilton.com/products/1988-r...016-matte-dial
https://www.europeanwatch.com/watch/...INA-33427.html
https://www.shucktheoyster.com/portf...orer-1016-mk3/

[PVR]

I hate when people respond with links or telling the OP to do research, try the search feature or try Google. You just spent 2 minutes telling someone how to search when you could have spent the same amount of time and given them the answer.

I have found that D movements "usually" indicate a date feature, but not always. I have had many many GMT's with dates that did not have a D stamped moment. I assume the reverse can be true and no date watches like 1016's could very easily have a genuine plate with a D stamped serial.

I think only Presidents should always have a DD stamped serial, but to be honest I am not certain about that either..

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by PVR

I hate when people respond with links or telling the OP to do research, try the search feature or try Google. You just spent 2 minutes telling someone how to search when you could have spent the same amount of time and given them the answer.

I have found that D movements "usually" indicate a date feature, but not always. I have had many many GMT's with dates that did not have a D stamped moment. I assume the reverse can be true and no date watches like 1016's could very easily have a genuine plate with a D stamped serial.

I think only Presidents should always have a DD stamped serial, but to be honest I am not certain about that either..

What a bizarre, childish and entitled attack. Just because you want answers to be spoon-fed to you doesn't mean that others feel the same way. If someone like you just gives me an answer without proof, it has virtually no value to me.

I didn't tell the OP to do his own research, I explained how I do research. And I spent much more than two minutes starting the OP's research for him, posting 5 relevant links, and explaining how I did it. Now he can do more if he feels the need.

In contrast, without documentation, your comments are just a useless opinion, full of uncertainty ("I assume," "I'm not certain..."). In the OP's place, I know which type of response I would value more.

[denisp]

Thanks everybody! Your answers were very useful! By asking I just wanted to know if people with knowledge had already the answer to my question. Obviously there’s no data base done by collectors on Rolex movement serial number as it is for Speedmaster for example. Probably because it’s difficult and you can hurt yourself opening an oyster ��
I spend a lot of hours on internet hunting pictures of the guts of explorers 1016. Unfortunately it’s a very small market ( what’s rare is expensive) and most of the time serial number is hidden. I found only 2 serial numbers beginning with a D, both on later watches than mine. With the one I’d like to buy it makes 3. So as sait before, you can find explorer 1016 with such a D. Not only on movement with date.

[1William]

Beautiful watch and reference. I am not sure and have stayed away from vintage reference for some time based on the fact that I am not an expert nor close to one. The value is in the details and depending on the price of this watch I would be very careful. Let us know what you find out and decide.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by denisp

I found only 2 serial numbers beginning with a D, both on later watches than mine.

I don't know if you noticed, but three of the five links I posted had serials starting with a D. Obviously, I have no idea whether they are earlier or later than yours.

[TuRo]

About 6 years ago 2018 I had a 64 gilt 5513 with a D serial on calibre that I posted on VRF for advice I think Gerhard said it was 'usually' to denote either Certified movt and/or date, but some had found their way into uncertified or non date pieces like my 5513. I can't find the comment at moment as I changed my username long time ago - will look later.

Either way, I'd not give it a moment's thought the calibre is fine.

[denisp]

Originally Posted by Dan S

I don't know if IMG_5268.jpgnoticed, but three of the five links I posted had IMG_5433.jpgstarting with a D. Obviously, I have no idea whether they are earlier or later than yours.

Uops Dan you're right. I missed that one :
IMG_5432.jpg

Probably because all these D are printed between the first digit and the hole in the bridge, a little above the digits. As if it had been added in this small space after the serial number...
IMG_5268.jpg
IMG_5433.jpg
IMG_5439.jpg

Here without the D:
sans D.jpg

[denisp]

Originally Posted by Dan S

I don't know if you noticed, but three of the five links I posted had serials starting with a D. IMG_5433.jpg, I have no idea whether they are earlier or later than yours.

IMG_5439.jpg
Thanks Dan, you're write I missed this one:
[ATTACH]1371197[/ATTACH
Probably because the D is smaller than the other digits.

During my search I noticed that the D is printed between the first digit and the hole, a little above the digits. As if it had been added in this small space after the serial number.
IMG_5268.jpg
IMG_5439.jpg

The space between hole and first digit is empty on movement without D
sans D.jpg

Does that mean that the D was added later?

[denisp]

Dan you're right my mistake! I missed that one:
IMG_5432.jpg
Probably because the D is small and higher than the digits.
I notice that the D is printed between the first digit and the hole, a little above the digits. As if it had been added in this small space after the serial number.
IMG_5268.jpg
IMG_5433.jpg
IMG_5439.jpg
Does it mean that it is printed later than the serial number? In which occasion?

Here a nulmber without D, space between first digit and hole is empty
sans D.jpg