Project Mercury was the first human spaceflight program from the US and it ran from 1958-1963. The astronauts of Project Mercury were exceptionally popular around the world and especially in Japan. To commemorate and capitalize on their popularity Rolex introduced a test market watch based on the Explorer only for Japan called the Space Dweller. It’s not known exactly how many were made, but the estimate is less than 30 examples total were produced and all came with a 1016 case.  This particular example was purchased six years ago from the original owner’s son who was the Japanese ambassador to Venezuala. The dial remains very glossy with all of the tritium intact. There is light corrosion around the edge of the dial as you can see in the photos. 

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