The Original Bond Ian Fleming’s Clone Rolex Explorer 1016

Fans have long pondered how much of James Bond was modeled after his creator, Ian Fleming. Every literary character inevitably reflects traits of their author, from minor quirks to more significant parallels. Fleming and Bond shared various aspects, including their distaste for tea, smoking habits, sartorial choices, and crucially, their wristwatch preferences.

Fleming famously remarked, “A gentleman’s choice of watch says as much about him as does his Savile Row suit.” Among the many watches he owned, his Rolex Explorer 1016 remains the most iconic and enduring. As a former Naval Intelligence officer, the choice of this unassuming model was fitting. The Explorer epitomizes reliability – trusted by those who require a tool watch that performs under pressure.

Characterized by its simple yet elegant design, the ref. 1016 features a readable 3/6/9 Arabic numeral dial and lacks unnecessary complications, making it suitable for both high-stakes situations and casual encounters. Fleming acquired his Explorer in the early 1960s, a period when replica Rolex was renowned for creating robust watches for professionals, from nuclear scientists to divers.

The Explorer’s legacy is rooted in mountaineering, famously worn by climbers on Everest. Rolex even supplied the watch with a high-performance oil to withstand extreme temperatures, reinforcing its reputation for durability. By 1963, the ref. 1016 had become a staple in professional watchmaking, defining the Explorer’s identity for the next 26 years with minimal changes.

In Fleming’s novels, Bond’s attitude toward replica watches was pragmatic. He casually references Rolex, such as in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, where Bond inventories his weapons, including “a heavy Rolex Oyster Perpetual.” A watch for Bond was simply a tool – nothing more.

The association between Bond and fake Rolex solidified with the character’s transition to film. In Dr. No, Sean Connery famously wore a Rolex Submariner, albeit one borrowed from producer Albert ‘Cubby’ Broccoli due to budget constraints. Following the franchise’s success, Rolex embraced its cinematic presence, and various iterations of Bond have since sported a range of their watches.

The Explorer series, often overshadowed by more glamorous models like the replica Rolex Submariner and Daytona, boasts one of the longest uninterrupted lifespans in Rolex history. The most notable update was the transition from the Cal. 1560 movement to the Cal. 1570 in the late 1960s, enhancing performance while retaining the model’s core identity.

The Rolex Explorer 1016 stands out for its simplicity and resilience, appealing to adventurers and professionals alike. Its understated elegance allows it to transition from rugged use to formal occasions seamlessly.

Specifications of the Rolex Explorer 1016:
Case Diameter: 36mm
Materials: 904L stainless steel
Functions: Time-only with central hours, minutes, and seconds
Bezel: Fixed, smooth stainless steel
Dial: Black with luminous hour markers (3-6-9 layout)
Strap/Bracelet: Oyster bracelet with folding Oysterclasp
Water Resistance: 100 meters (330 feet)
Price Range (Pre-Owned): Approximately $13,500 to $30,000+
The Explorer 1016’s blend of simplicity, durability, and versatility has established it as a coveted vintage watch, treasured by collectors for its rich history and timeless design.