CIRCA: 1991
CASE MATERIAL: Stainless steel with engraved 24-hour bezel
DIAMETER: 40 mm.
BRACELET: Rolex Oyster stainless steel bracelet
DIAL: Off-white “Chicchi di Mais” dial with yellowish-orange luminous plots on the dial and hands
MOVEMENT: Automatic
FUNCTIONS: Time, date, GMT hand
WITH: Rolex guarantee card, Rolex service card dated February 17, 2014, product literature, 1991-1992 calendar, Rolex green card holder, hang tag, presentation box and outer packaging

This lot has been imported from outside of the UAE for sale. Should the lot be released into GCC/UAE free circulation, duty will be payable at 5% on the low estimate. Duty paid in Dubai is treated as final duty payment as per GCC''s customs laws. VAT at 5% will be applied to the hammer and buyer’s premium.

Conditions of Sale
FAQs
This lot is offered by Christie's Dubai Ltd.

Brought to you by

Lot Essay

Early examples of the Explorer II reference 16570 with the distinctive black surround to the hour markers were nicknamed “Chichi di Mais” by Italian watch enthusiasts because the Tritium lume plots would age to a corn yellow-like colour (Chichi di Mais is Italian for corn kernels). The result is a nice, uniform and warm patina that is loved by Rolex collectors.

More from

Watches Online: The Dubai Edit

View All

Condition report

A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.

I confirm that I have read this Important Notice regarding Condition Reports and agree to its terms.

View Condition Report

The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.

OVERALL CONDITION: Very good

CASE: Good, some surface scratches on the caseband

DIAL: Nice, clean and original. Lume plots react to UV light briefly. Hands (including GMT) do not react to UV light

MOVEMENT: Nice, clean and original. However, a service is recommended

BRACELET: In good condition, surface scratches, shows signs of wear
Length: 130 mm. with 4 removable links

PLEASE NOTE:
This report has been prepared by Christie's specialists and is no substitute for physical examination by you and/or your advisors. Christie's specialists are not trained restorers and the report set forth above is not a comprehensive condition report prepared by a professional conservator. While we make certain observations on the work which we trust are helpful, we recommend you consult your own restorer for a more complete report. Prospective purchasers should bear in mind that this report will not disclose any imperfections which may only be revealed during the course of subsequent restoration. This report is provided to you as a courtesy and Christie's is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of this report. Buyers are reminded that Christie's warranties with respect to property are limited as set forth in our Conditions of Sale and do not extend to condition.

Effective 7 February 2022
A buyer’s premium is payable by the successful buyer of an item at auction, based on the hammer price of each lot sold. The current buyer’s premium rates are an amount equal to 26% of the hammer price of each lot up to and including £700,000/US$1,000,000; plus 20% of the hammer price from £700,001/US$1,000,001 up to and including £4,500,000/US$6,000,000 and 14.5 per cent from £4,500,001/US$6,000,001.

Print Report