Rolex Explorer I Reverso is a hallmark of this

is a hallmark of this era - a time when manufactures were still producing military-grade watches with movements as beautiful as they were reliable

but it’s got all the characteristics of the watches that did

While tritium dial Explorer 1's from the 1990's are still findable

And while those branded with Omega or Patek Philippe on the dial carry staggering price tags

surmounted by green numerals and sword hands

Rolex Explorer I Reverso is a hallmark of thisWhy We Love It Today, the Explorer I in all of its executions enjoys a kind of cult status among watch enthusiasts and collectors, but for many, the story really begins and ends with the Reference 1016For one, it enjoyed the longest production run of all the Explorer models (1963 1989), making it the execution widely understood to define the model. Additionally, the trim 36mm steel case and gilt or matte dials resonate with the original form follows