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There is a myth that Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary were wearing Rolex Explorers when they first summited Everest in 1953. If a Rolex watch did actually make it to the summit of Everest (it's really not clear, as it may have only gone part of the way, and may even have been carried in a pocket, rather than worn), then it would have been the forerunner of the very first Explorer model, the reference 6298.
Launched in 1953, the Reference 6298 had wedge shaped indices, known as the 'Everest dials'. The black 3-6-9 dial came with the references 6150 and 6350.
The addition of Mercedes style hands came with references. 6150 and 6350.
In the mid 50s, Rolex released the new calibre 1030 movement – its first complete in house built and designed movement, it was also chronometer rated.
This next-generation movement was used in the latest version of the Explorer, the reference 6610, released around 1956. The 6610 featured a gilt chapter ring 3 - 6 - 9 dial and Mercedes hands.
In 1963 Rolex released what would become one of the longest running sports watch references, the Explorer ref. 1016. Production ceased in 1989 .
There were very few updates on this model, apart from a change from gilt to matte dial, a non-hacking 1560 to a hacking 1570 movement, and the later addition of a solid link Oyster bracelet. Apparently, if the potential owner desired, Rolex would supply the 1016 with low viscosity lubricant installed in order to aid operation at low temperatures.
This build uses a genuine Rolex 16004 case - around $400 - $500 and far superior to any aftermarket 1016 case as the shape is very close to that of a genuine 1016 case - may give nightmares to those who require their watches to have the correct ref' numbers between the lugs though. There's also a Rolex service crystal and Rolex crown. The dial is a commissioned Vietnam dial, the movement is a low beat Swiss ETA 2842.
Thanks for looking.