Vintage watches 3 - Rolex Explorer - the original Bond watch?

The Rolex Explorer has a distinguished history and is generally reckoned to be the original James Bond Rolex, as described in On Her Majesty's Secret Service. See this link for more information.

In reality, the watch has been used widely by travellers and explorers, as its simple but robust mechanical movement made it ideal for the rough and tumble of adventure. The claim that one was worn by Edmund Hillary to the summit of Everest is probably untrue, although Rolex may have supported the expedition. It's thought that he actually wore a British-made Smiths for the climb, and that company subsequently made several Smiths Everest models to commemorate this (see picture below).

Its classic simplicity and design make the vintage Rolex Explorer a must for a man of style. The company still makes a later version, but it lacks the beauty of the original 1016 and other earlier models.

Grey Fox photo - Rolex Explorer 1016

This picture of Ian Fleming from the National Portrait Gallery in London, shows him wearing his own Rolex Explorer 1016 -

Ian Fleming's Explorer, found and much exhibited recently -

Smiths Everest - Grey Fox photo