Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 16750 'Pepsi' - Transitional Gloss Dial Unpolished
The Rolex GMT-Master is one of the most historic and iconic watches the brand ever produced. Its origin dates back to a commission request by Pan American World Airways in the early 50’s for their fleet of pilots who needed access to different time zones.
This Reference introduced a larger case size with crown-guards and a bi-colored blue + red bezel insert made of aluminum. The Ref. 1675 underwent many small changes over its 21-year production run, with a slew of dial, bezel, bracelet, and hand variations. You know, Rolex stuff. And eventually, the 1675 would evolve into the first 5-digit GMT-Master, The Ref. 16750 that we have here. These pieces, at a glance, retain the look and feel like a 1675, but now utilize a 'quickset' date function with the Calibre 3075 movement, and are typically broken down into two difference variants, each with their own appeal. The early pieces feature matte black dials, whereas the second half of production introduced glossy black dials with the first applied Tritium-filled white gold indices.
The piece that we have here is the latter, with a glossy black dial. It dates to circa 1987 and remains in fantastic overall condition, with a thick, sharp case with strong factory finishing and normal, honest signs of wear throughout only a few small blemishes and impression present. The dial within is very nice, with a deep black color that shows faint 'stippling' typical of this era, and beautiful, deeply patinated Tritium plots within those white gold applied indices. The Tritium handset appears slightly lighter in color to the naked eye — also typical or this era — and matches under UV inspection. The bezel shows matching normal wear to the case, with a 'Pepsi' bezel insert that also shows matching, normal wear.
This is a fantastic, well-rounded example of the Reference, and it further elevated by coming fitted to a so called 'Fifty' bracelet. This is a solid-link Jubilee bracelet with a '50' engraving on the first link after the endlinks, denoting that this watch was born with this bracelet from the factory. The condition of the bracelet is fantastic and unpolished, showing matching normal wear and exhibits virtually no stretch.
Overlooked for many years, the Ref. 16750 carries over virtually everything that collectors love about its predecessor, but have that added functionality of a quickset date. And though not exceedingly rare, are certainly not common and can still be had for less than a 1675. Sound pretty good if you ask us!
Condition:
Case: Very-likely unpolished showing normal signs of wear throughout with a small scuff on the tip of the bottom left lug, a very small blemish on the chamfer on the top right lug, and small impression on the lower crown guard.
Bezel: Exhibits matching normal wear with a correct blue-back 'Pepsi' insert with some minor marks between the 22 and triangle at 12:00 and very light wear otherwise.
Dial: Very nice, retaining a deep glossy black color throughout with only faint 'stippling' starting around the 7:00 index and extending to the triangle at the 12:00 position. The 8:00 marker exhibits a very small 'pin-sized' spot of discoloration on the Tritium. The handset is slightly lighter in color and matches under UV inspection.
Bracelet/Strap: Correct Rolex stainless steel '50' Jubilee bracelet with 20 links and signed blade clasp stamped 'K2'. Unpolished, showing matching normal wear to the case. Sized for ≈7.5" wrist.
Shipping:
All watches will be shipped via FedEx Insured Priority Overnight shipping. International shipping will be shipped via FedEx International Priority Express, always fully insured. This service is included in the listed price and will not incur any additional fees. All watches are shipped 1-2 business days after receiving payment confirmation by Chrono24. We are unable to ship watches on Saturday or Sunday.
Our Policy:
We service or perform necessary maintenance to the extent necessary to all of our watches, unless otherwise noted. All watches are listed and sold running and functioning as intended.
Our Guarantee:
Through rigorous vetting of each watch offered, we’re able to guarantee authenticity of our pieces. Ultimately, your satisfaction is our mission, as is helping you get YOUR perfect watch. If you have any questions at all, we will get back to you ASAP.
Each of our timepieces are vetted, evaluated, authenticated, and approved by our experienced team of experts and watchmakers prior to sale. We guarantee the period-correctness of all components unless otherwise disclosed. We guarantee the authenticity of each watch in perpetuity.
