Explorer 1016 Dial MK 1 - Variantions and movement

[Elle84]

Hello Guys

I got a 1016 that i retrieve it from selling it cause a person raised some doubt on it, and i've withdrawn the sale at the moment to understand better this watch.

It is a Nice example of 1016, the dial is white graphic, what i consider Mk1

The particular is the movement is a 1560 Non Hack and the serial number is 5.xxx.xxx so it is dated in 1977 (with papers), a bit late for a 1560?

Please let me know what you think and if you know how to date the dials/movement variantions of this cool reference, a bit undervalued at the moment for me!

I've read tons of books and threads all over the internet, most of people say middle of 70's for the end of the 1560, others say the 1972 is the last year.

Thanks for you help.






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[adam78]

As far as I know, the cal. 1560 was not produced after 1965-66, so '70s is definitely too late. My II 66 1016 has a 1570.

Your photo makes the dial look gilt. It is really white?

I was thinking that your case may be a service replacement, that's all.

[Elle84]

Hi Adam!

The Case is numbered 5 mil, with original warranty, too late for a service case.

The dial is white and matt at 100% just with a cool heavy patina, is what i call Mk1 for Matt Explorer Dials.

Here a comment on a old discussion:

Originally Posted by mike

"1560 and 1570 are chronometer movement, but 1530 and 1520 are not chronometer movement."

Cal 1530 is the base movement for all 1500 movements and was introduced 1957. The 1530 comes with balance assembly rolex p/n 7855 with Breguet hairspring running at 18000 bph.
It is a chronometer grade movement.

The 1520 was introduced in 1963 with balance assembly rolex p/n 8055 with a flat hairspring. It comes in 17 and 26 jewel versions running at 19800 bph.
Cal 1525 is the same thing with date...used mostly in AK date watches etc.
They are not considered to be chronometer grade movements although most will keep excellent time.

The 1560 was introduced in 1965* and has rolex p/n 7980 balance assembly with a Breguet hs running at 18000 bph.
Cal 1565 is the same thing with date.
Cal 1565 GMT has date and 24h hand.
All are chronometer grade movements.
note...these movements have a guard pin to keep the hairspring from getting tangled up when smacked or dropped
(it looks like a curb feeler)

The 1570 was introduced in 1965 and has balance assembly rolex p/n 8106 with Breguet hs running at 19800 bph.
Cal 1575 was the same thing with date.
Cal 1575 GMT has date and 24h hand.
All are chronometer grade movements.
Many date and GMT movements are stamped 1570. I have a 1603 that I bought new in 1972 (manufactured I70) and it has a 1570 autowind plate on it. The watch has been in my posession since new so nothing has been changed.
Matter of fact...all my (1570/1575) date movements including a late 1970s GMT have 1570 autowind plates.

*If the 1560 was introduced in 1965, it is a real head scratcher because the 1570 was introduced at the same time. Why introduce similar 18000bph and 19800bph movements at the same time?
The only 1560 powered watch I have in my records is a reference 1003, serial 121xxxx with II65 stamped inside the caseback.

Maybe someone has a 1560 powered watch with a manufacturing date earlier than 1965 stamped in the caseback. I have never seen one.

The introduction dates came from a page in a rolex manual titled "Calibres Rolex" dated 1970.

CREDIT RICARDO.

One of those factoids I saved.