Rolex 1016 Explorer James Bond / Ian Fleming watch model, dial close-up
Although Rolex made its reference 1016 Explorer I model for many years, only a few were similar to what Ian Fleming wore — and the example upon which he based his original, literary James Bond watch.
Item number 230718585924, currently available for auction on eBay, is one that meets that criteria.
Radium dial intact.
Riveted bracelet, with proper end links.
In the time since this Rolex Explorer 1016 first came up as a listing, I’ve been in frequent contact with the seller. Beyond the auction itself, he has generously provided the images that appear with this James Bond Watches Blog post in support of current and future collectors.
This watch, with serial number 516,723, dates to the second quarter of 1960 (additionally see caseback images, below). That means it was produced less than a year before the Ian Fleming watch. Recall that the Fleming-Bond watch evidences either case number 596,351 or 596,851.
It’s been speculated that this particular iteration of the Rolex 1016, dating to turn of the decade, was moving through official jewelers at a time of increasing sensitivity to dangers associated with the use of radium for wristwatch luminescence. Fearful customers and assertive store owners pressed to have these dials replaced. And they did.
That’s part of the reason why you don’t see so many of the so-called “Everest Rolex” come up for sale.
Additionally, there’s a bit of unfortunate confusion on the web about Ian Fleming’s Rolex and what Explorer he actually wore. This is in large part due to a couple of unscrupulous 007- and watch-centered Internet forums that supported efforts to claim credit for my own, exclusive discovery of the Ian Fleming James Bond watch — indulging their participants in all sorts of uninformed (and proven to be outright wrong) claims about Rolex manufacturing dates for the 1016 Explorer I model.
For the record: Experts agree that Rolex 1016 Explorer production included the year 1960.
As always, no endorsement or authentication of any sort can be offered here. Potential buyers are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence and make their own decisions regarding any wristwatch purchase, whatever the source.
Images courtesy owner, used with exclusive permission to JamesBondWatches.com and Dell Deaton
Hat tip: Hodinkee for the find
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