JoJo35 Posted November 22, 2008 Report Posted November 22, 2008 In the conception of ordinary watch lovers, Explorer I was specially launched by Rolex just for commemorating the Everest expedition. This watch was with British explorer team consisting of Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay etc on 29th, May of 1953, achieving a great task of human being climbing. This story is definitely magic and attractive, but it still has a certain distance to the real fact. Firstly, Rolex indeed had supported Himalayan expedition since 1933, and later in Everest expeditions, Rolex had been always the official supporters, so Rolex supported each explorer team with its wristwatch. However, Rolex was not the only supporter, it is said that when Edmund Hillary climbed up on the top of Everest, what he wore is a watch from the British supporter Smith. But what Tenzing Norgay wore is indeed Explorer. On 19th, July of 1988, this watch was auctioned in Sotheby
dluddy Posted November 22, 2008 Report Posted November 22, 2008 lol, great title.... Very nice B. I love the Gilt Dial 1016 and I have been looking for a dial for it or a 6610 for a while now as I have my own project for one of these in the que.... Congratulations on another stunning piece of Rolex history
RWG Technical Posted November 22, 2008 Report Posted November 22, 2008 Great history, I never knew the reasons for the name, thanks for this. The watch looks wonderful on that strap, great combo, wear it well. RG
JoJo35 Posted November 22, 2008 Author Report Posted November 22, 2008 Thank you D & RG The concept of Rolex's tool watches has always intrigued me. Now I am finally able to research and slowly build my collection. I got lucky with this one; it surely is a keeper!
Nanuq Posted November 22, 2008 Report Posted November 22, 2008 Is there a watch anywhere more perfect than a 1016? What a gorgeous piece. EDIT: Wait a minute here... did you say this is YOUR watch? Holy smokes! I thought it was photos of the actual Everest piece from a museum or something! *jaw drops on the floor*
alligoat Posted November 22, 2008 Report Posted November 22, 2008 Wow! JoJo, you blow me away! That gilt dial, beautifully aged markers and that dark brown crocodile strap are an awesome combination. You certainly have exquisite tastes. You certainly keep RG busy with your creations. They are all top-notch!
cornerstone Posted November 23, 2008 Report Posted November 23, 2008 EDIT: Wait a minute here... did you say this is YOUR watch? Holy smokes! I thought it was photos of the actual Everest piece from a museum or something! *jaw drops on the floor* +1 It's amazing!
alligoat Posted November 23, 2008 Report Posted November 23, 2008 Wow again! I had to reread the first post again- 100% gen... So that would mean an all original gen... with servicing by RG.
stilty Posted November 23, 2008 Report Posted November 23, 2008 holy crap! that is a beauty! I'm guessing all gen?
JoJo35 Posted November 23, 2008 Author Report Posted November 23, 2008 holy crap! that is a beauty! I'm guessing all gen? Thanks Stilty I figured you would like this because I know you like explorers. Good guess on it, since it is a 100% gen. I've got a 14270 in que, so when that's completed I'll be able to do a nice side by side photoshoot.
dieselpower Posted November 23, 2008 Report Posted November 23, 2008 Fantastic piece. 1016 is one of my all time favourites as well. Now I hate to be controversial but I could swear that I either read, heard or saw in a documentary that there was a falling out between Hillary and Norgay because Hillary broke their agreement and told somebody that it was he who first stepped on the summit. Like I say this info is from memory only and I could be mistaken but its there in my mind for some reason. Anybody else heard this?
greg_r Posted November 23, 2008 Report Posted November 23, 2008 Great pics of a great watch. Also, the best thread title in recent memory.
Stephane Posted November 23, 2008 Report Posted November 23, 2008 Pfff, what else can be said but "I AM JEALOUS"? Jojo, The title is great, the writing is splendid and the work is unbelievable. From the hunt for inforamtion and the parts to Ziggy's production, all this is very exiting. That watch is very nice and I surely love it. I hope I'll be able to fly to you to see it in the flesh. Thanks for sharing and congrats to both of you, Stephane
FxrAndy Posted November 23, 2008 Report Posted November 23, 2008 What a wonderfully shaped case, loverly watch, very jelous and i am not even a rolly fan!
spooky driver Posted November 23, 2008 Report Posted November 23, 2008 jojo your a lucky fella, thanks for sharing
alligoat Posted November 24, 2008 Report Posted November 24, 2008 Now I hate to be controversial but I could swear that I either read, heard or saw in a documentary that there was a falling out between Hillary and Norgay because Hillary broke their agreement and told somebody that it was he who first stepped on the summit. Like I say this info is from memory only and I could be mistaken but its there in my mind for some reason. Anybody else heard this? I haven't heard that story, but it's pretty clear to me that Hillary never could have gotten as far as he did if he didn't have some non-air breathing sherpa like Norgay with him! At that point, who gets to the top first is really unimportant, IMO.
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