Rolex Explorer 1016 Tiffany & Co Bunny Mellon 1975

Rolex Explorer*** 1016 Tiffany & Co*** 1975

VINTAGE WATCHES » Rolex Explorer*** 1016 Tiffany & Co*** 1975

ROLEX Explorer Ref. 1016, Tiffany & Co, Bunny Mellon Collection
Serial: 4086600
Circa: 1975
Reference No: 1016

DIAL: Black matte ‘Explorer’ dial with 3-6-9 and baton luminous hour markers. Tiffany & Co. signature on the dial.

MOVEMENT: Caliber 1570, self-winding mechanical movement with 26 jewels

CASE: 36mm, stainless steel with smooth bezel, acrylic glass

BRACLET: Stainless Steel Rolex 78360/580 date code VC

CONDITION REPORT: Excellent condition, the dial is stunning with rich patina on the indexes. The Tiffany & Co signature is original and is in a similar batch to other examples observed with the stock number also visible. In fact, the lightly engraved stock number 17338 on the back of the lug is still visible and untouched. The case and bracelet appear to have been lightly polished in the past.

NOTES: This particular watch comes from the Bunny Mellon collection auctioned at Sotheby's New York in 2014. These were famously 8 examples of 1016 with Tiffany & Co signature among auctioned from the same collection. They were apparently purchased to give as gifts to close friends and staff. Bunny Mellon, born in 1910, was a celebrated American horticulturist, art collector, and philanthropist. Known for her role in designing the White House Rose Garden, she left a lasting impact on landscape design. Mellon's influence extended to art, where she curated an impressive collection, and she was also dedicated to philanthropy, supporting cultural and educational institutions. Her legacy is marked by her contributions to gardening, art, and charitable endeavors. Bunny Mellon passed away in 2014, leaving behind a rich and enduring legacy.

Tiffany & Co. signed dials became highly sought after almost immediately after Rolex stopped being retailed through their shops in the early 1990's. The already sought after 1016 in such excellent condition with the Tiffany signature is a grail among collectors today.

SOLD