Rolex “Space-Dweller” Explorer

Description

The Rolex Space Dweller was inspired in the early 1960s after a visit to Japan by the astronauts of Project Mercury.  Due to the astronauts immense popularity with the residents of Japan, Rolex decided to produce a special edition of the Reference 1016 Explorer, specifically for the Japanese market.  Only a handful of these Space Dwellers are known to the present market, and hardly ever come up for sale.

This Rolex Space-Dweller is in good vintage condition.  The case has been previously polished, but the lugs are even and in good shape.  The dial shows wear, typically associated with gilt-dial Rolex Explorers, most noticeably, around the edges of the dial.  The center of the dial, near the handset, has started to age a tropical brown color.  The dial still retains most of its original gloss.  The original tritium lume is present on both hands and dial, matching with a golden yellow color.