Rolex GMT-Master 16718 Rootbeer
Frankly speaking, the Rolex GMT-Master is a watch that requires no introduction. It is perhaps the most iconic travel watch, allowing its wearer to simultaneously tell two time zones. Developed originally in the 1950s for Pan Am pilots, who had then begun flying transatlantic routes more frequently, this handy tool watch was vital in order to track home and local time.
While you might be more accustomed to seeing the typical Ref. 1675 GMT-Masters in stainless steel, yellow gold versions were produced and were understandably made in much lower quantities. As steel seems to be the trend these days, I do think that these solid gold GMT-Masters provide excellent value and you will see these much less often than their steel counterparts. This example, in particular, is the Ref. 16718 and is made extra special as it features a unique root beer-themed colour combination which is relatively uncommon.
To travel with a GMT-Master on the wrist is certainly to travel in style, combining practicality with that mid-century cool. As John Mayer once said, ‘ the GMT-Master is the best contemporary watch that Rolex makes ’, a sentiment I find myself inclined to share, simply because the GMT function is truly the most practical modern-day complication to have on the wrist. All it takes is one look at the wrist and you will be able to tell the time for your selected timezone. For someone like me, or I am sure many of you, who travels a lot or even conducts business on the other side of the world, a GMT-Master is without a doubt, a welcomed tool. It certainly is faster than fumbling around with your iPhone to find out.
While steel Rolex GMT-Masters are undoubtedly cool in their own right, there's truly nothing like the experience of putting on a nice gold Rolex GMT-Master on your wrist, especially a lesser-known reference like this root beer-themed Ref. 16718. The combination of old-school cool and the distinctive colour palette in this example brings a unique and off-the-beaten-path flair, not often seen on many Rolex sports models. What makes this particular example even more special is that it comes complete with all of its original accessories.
, SPECS
Brand: Rolex
Year: 1994
Model: GMT Master II
Reference Number: 16718
Serial Number: N281XXX
Material: 18-carat Yellow Gold
Movement: Rolex Cal. 3185, Self-Winding
Case Diameter: 40mm
Bracelet: Rolex 18-carat Yellow Gold 8386 Jubilee Bracelet with 47B Curved End Links
