1966 Rolex Explorer Ref. 1016 "Top of the Matterhorn" Advertisement

1966 Rolex Explorer Ref. 1016 "Top of the Matterhorn" Advertisement

Skip to product information
1 of 6

1966 Rolex Explorer Ref. 1016 "Top of the Matterhorn" Advertisement

1966 Rolex Explorer Ref. 1016 "Top of the Matterhorn" Advertisement

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
33 Reviews
Framing Options
Regular price $245
Regular price Sale price $245

*available framed here

Page Dimensions

Approx. 7 7/8" x 11 3/8" (20cm x 28cm)

*page has slight crease in lower right corner

Story and Details

Yup, this is a Rolex Explorer ad. But it’s really so much more than that... It’s also a beautiful photograph. A recreated, styled shot for sure, but nonetheless breathtaking. The climber’s hand is captured in close-up detail, grappling a mountainside, such that you can feel the setting and sense the exertion through his knuckles, veins and pores. There's even rope and a carabiner shown. In-person, this image has the beauty and intensity you often experience in gallery exhibits of portraits by acclaimed photographers. It's more than a wrist shot. It's an "action shot" inspiring you to live a little adventurously. 

And then we get to the Rolex aspect... There’s the no-frills Explorer affixed to the climber’s wrist, firmly secured via its steel rivet bracelet. And that tremendous headline, “Because there isn’t any watch repair shop on top of the Matterhorn,” which in the vast landscape of Rolex ads, may stand tallest, as the best. And it contends for the best because it speaks to the brand, not simply the Explorer model. It's a phrase that applies to most every Rolex model, with their seamless cases, climate resistance, robustness and accuracy. You could substitute any model in that sentence. That’s the true beauty of this ad - that it’s a Rolex ad first. An Explorer Ref. 1016 ad second. And the exact version shown is a late gilt dial, which you can tell because the "Swiss - T < 25" is printed between the "6" and minute hash marks. 

This ad has a lot going for it. But there's more... Of the dozen vintage Explorer ads I've come across, this is the earliest full-page ad showing the famed and Grail-worthy Ref. 1016. Like the design of the watch was executed perfectly, this premier advertisement for the watch also happens to be utter perfection. 

Finally, this has become an increasingly difficult ad to source. Even though it was printed in 3 mainstream publications of varying quality, over the years, demand has outstripped supply. Like some say if could only own one watch, an Explorer could do the trick. If you only wanted to display one print advertisement, the "Matterhorn" might be the one. 

 

Condition

Pre-owned original magazine advertisement. Image shown is exactly the ad that you'll be receiving.

Framing

Framing is handcrafted in Chicago, IL, using acid-free materials for art preservation. The UV-protected, anti-reflective glass ensures optimal viewing. Frames are solid wood featuring a wire for easy hanging and felt pads for wall protection.

Shipping

Free Shipping for all continental US orders.

Unframed orders ship by the next business day. You’ll receive an email with tracking info!

Framing is custom. Please allow me up to 2 weeks to finish your framing project. Before I start, I’ll email you to confirm the design and provide an estimated completion and shipping date.

Returns

Returns are accepted for unframed ads, if they are in new condition as you received it, within 30 days of purchase.

As all of my ads are highly curated, individually custom framed, and personalized, all sales for framed ads are final.

Learn more about our Return Policy.

Questions

Please contact me if you need additional photos or have any questions!

View full details

advertisements

All advertisements and images are original – directly from magazines and other types of publications. These are vintage, pre-owned, original pages, so the paper quality and condition varies... I try to show accurate photos of the exact ad/image you'll be receiving.

SHOP ADS

framing

Framing is custom-designed and done by hand in Chicago, IL. Acid-free materials are used to preserve your art. Glass offers UV-protection and is anti-reflective for best viewing. Frames are solid wood with wire on back for easy hanging and felt pads to protect wall. 

LEARN MORE

contact

I love my business and what I do!
Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or special requests... About pricing, condition, framing - ads or magazines you have to sell... I'll get back to you within 48 hours (usually much sooner!). Looking forward to chatting! 

CONTACT
5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 33 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 33 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
100%would recommend these products
Slide 1 selected
33 reviews
  • Thomas P.
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    1954 Rolex Submariner "Top of the World...Bottom of the Sea" Advertisement
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    5 days ago
    Ad Patina Flawless

    From the beginning all the way through to receiving the order Ad Patina were flawless. Excellent communication throughout and the ad was even better in person.

    Package was well packed for protection and even with a personal note attached to make the experience even more personal.

    Highly recommend, and will be back for more.

  • Jared
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    circa 1970 Original Rolex Catalog pages feat. Submariner, GMT Master, Explorer, and Milgauss
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 week ago
    AdPatina is the Best

    Received my ad within a day or so, and it looks gorgeous - just as advertised. It was packaged extremely well too, always a concern with something like this. Beyond excited to add it to my collection. Thanks for all the help!

  • Milo
    Reviewing
    1984 Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 feat. Dennis Conner Advertisement
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 week ago
    Exactly what I've been looking for

    I don’t usually leave reviews on things but needed to for this. I ordered 3 different vintage watch ads from nick and couldn’t be happier. Shipping to Canada was fast and items were packed with care, even included a hand written note from nick. Will be ordering more in the future and cannot recommend Ad Patina enough!

  • Brandon
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    1966 Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 "work pretty well at any level." Advertisement
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 week ago
    Great Experience, Great Product

    The ad arrived timely and well packaged. The handwritten note was a great touch. I will definitely order again in the future.

  • Matt K.
    Verified Reviewer
    Reviewing
    1968 Rolex Submariner "If you were looking for lost empires..." Advertisement
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2 weeks ago
    Fantastic

    Nick is so nice and easy to work with. He has genuine enthusiasm for the products he sells. The quality of the framing is first-rate. I’ve ordered multiple framed ads from him and I will continue to do so.

Reviews LoadedReviews Added