What’s a Frog Foot Dial? – Exploring a Vintage Rolex Explorer Ref. 1016

Join John today as he explores this vintage Rolex Explorer (Ref. 1016) and explains why collector’s refer to its Mark 1 dial as a “frog foot.”

The Rolex Explorer is a no-frills time-only tool watch that is robust and designed to be used as intended. Rolex introduced the Reference 1016 Explorer in 1959 and it remained in production for 30 years until it was discontinued in 1989. While earlier Roex Explorer watches from the 1950’s had 34mm cases, the 1016 is centered around a 36mm case size, much like the new modern iterations of the model. It’s characterized by its iconic black matte dial with Arabic numerals in the classic 3-6-9 configuration with a Mercedes handset.

The earliest of these Mark 1 dials featured a Rolex crown bearing an uncanny resemblance to the foot of a frog, hence the nickname ‘Frog Foot’ dials.⁠⁠⁠ While the shape of the crown has evolved over the years, this coronet with short and wide-set spikes with round tips is unusual, making it truly special and collectible.

Dating to 1970, this Rolex Explorer Ref. 1016 has just the right amount of creamy patina on its Mk1 “Frog Foot” dial and hands. This vintage watch was just fully serviced, and the bracelet is a later service replacement dating to 1986. Sorry, no box or papers with this one.
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⌚️: 1970 Rolex Explorer (Ref. 1016)
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