Extremely Well Preserved and Very Precious, GMT-Master II, Automatic Wristwatch in Gold, “Sultan” Diamond and Ruby-Set Dial, Reference 16 718, With Certificate
Model: GMT Master II
Reference: 16718
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Yellow Gold
Year: 2002
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 3185
Case N°: Y685879
Dimensions: 40 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Warranty and Booklets
The first GMT Master, realized in 1954, was one of the most revolutionary timepieces available and was born to be a real tool watch but the following models soon began to be manufactured in precious metal for a lavish touch. Introduced at the dawn of the “Jet Age” and developed in collaboration with Pan-Am airlines, it featured a historic innovation that permitted travelers to simultaneously tell time at both their “home” and “local” destination. The GMT-Master evolved over the decades with several design changes. A major upgrade came with the introduction of the GMT-Master II in 1982, employing for the first time a quick-set hour hand that could easily be moved forwards and backwards. The present Rolex GMT-Master II reference 16 718 was produced alongside its stainless steel counterpart reference 16 710 and steel and gold 16 713 from the end of the 1980s up to the early 2000s. The yellow-gold case is heavenly preserved and so is the jubilee bracelet. Powered by the Rolex caliber 3185 offering a hacking second feature and the ability to set the hour hand independently from the GMT hand for easy time adjustments, the most important detail is the dial. The so-called “Sultan” or “Serti” (i.e.: French for gem-set) champagne dial was introduced a few years into the model production and is set with 8 diamond indexes and 3 triangular/rectangular rubies (as opposed to the diamond and sapphire dials observed on the Submariner range). Absolutely astonishing, this very watch is also sold with its original warranty that, funny to note, shows that the watch was sold in 2005 while its production was in 2002, as testified by the serial number. It means that it took 3 years for the watch before being sold, something absolutely incredible considering the Rolex fever of these years.
