
Space Dweller Wristwatch
The Space-Dweller Story

Rolex Space Dweller
Rather than going full steam ahead with a complete production run, Rolex took a cautious approach and released a test model in very limited quantities. Also, rather than a global launch, Rolex curiously only released the Space-Dweller in Japan. Perhaps the thinking was that since the Japanese public was so enthusiastic about the astronauts, they would be just as receptive to a Rolex watch named in their honor.
The Rolex Space-Dweller is actually an Explorer ref. 1016 outfitted with a special dial. But the dial doesn't include the label “Explorer” anywhere. Instead, “Space-Dweller” is right under the “Oyster Perpetual” text. Since the Space-Dweller never took off, so to speak, the idea was abandoned only a few years after its debut. The lack of popularity may have been unfortunate for Rolex, but for today's vintage Rolex collectors, this means that the Space-Dweller is one ultra rare model to seek out. If you're looking to sell a Rolex Space-Dweller you will have plenty of collectors gawking at the opportunity to snatch up such a rare timepiece.
Space-Dweller Auction Results
Since there are so few Rolex Space-Dwellers out there, they hardly ever come up for auction. However, there have been some notable sales of the elusive model from top auction houses. In May 2002, a Space-Dweller sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong auction for a mere $13,617. That may seem like a paltry amount today, but it did exceed its initial high estimate of $6,400. Another Space-Dweller appeared at Christie's New York auction in April 2006, and this time, it sold for a respectable $28,000. And finally, at Antiquorum's New York auction in April 2008, the Space-Dweller fetched $48,000. That number well exceeded its estimate of $20,000 – $30,000.Produced in limited quantities and exclusive to one country, the Space-Dweller is an absolute rarity in vintage Rolex watches. That, coupled with a very interesting story, makes for an incredible collector's timepiece.