Rolex GMT-Master
Ref. 16750 'Pepsi' - Gloss Dial
Basic Info
Listing code : LHLKQ9
Brand : Rolex
Model : GMT-Master
Reference number : 16750
Dealer product code : OC2419
Movement : Automatic
Case material : Steel
Bracelet material : Steel
Year of production : 1985 (Approximation)
Condition : Used (Very good)
Scope of delivery : No original box, no original papers
Location : United States of America, California, Los Angeles
Price : 12,500 [Negotiable]
Availability : Item is in stock
Caliber
Movement : Automatic
Caliber/movement : Automatic-winding chronometer certified 3075 caliber by Rolex.
Base caliber : cal. 3135
Case
Case material : Steel
Case diameter : 40 mm
Bezel material : Steel
Crystal : Plexiglass
Dial : Black
Dial numerals : No numerals
Bracelet/strap
Bracelet material : Steel
Bracelet color : Steel
Lug width : 20 mm
Clasp : Fold clasp
Clasp material : Steel
Functions
Date, GMT
Other
Rotating Bezel, Screw-Down Crown
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.
These pieces would feature a similar design to another watch that Rolex was developing around that time, the Submariner, but would include a fourth hand running on 24-hr time, and a bi-colored bezel insert to represent AM/PM times. Those colors, naturally, would be the PanAm colors: Red & Blue. Thus, in 1953, the Ref. 6542 GMT-Master was born. These early pieces were ultimately, fragile arguably flawed in some ways, and were therefor succeeded by the updated Reference 1675 in 1959.
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 1985 and remains in strong overall condition, with a thick, symmetrical case that has been lightly previously polished. It shows normal signs of wear throughout with only a few small scattered blemishes. The gloss black dial within has developed a light, even 'stippling' throughout, resulting in an attractive matte appearance with nicely patinated Tritium plots within those white gold applied indices. The Tritium handset also matches beautifully. The bezel exhibits matching wear to the case, and has a correct 'Pepsi' insert with vibrant blue and red colors. It comes fitted to a correct solid-link Oyster bracelet with a signed blade clasp that matches the condition of the case.
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. Sounds pretty good if you ask us!
Condition:
Case: Previously polished retaining thick lugs and showing normal signs of wear throughout with a few small marks around the lower left lug hole, some light 'matting' on the left case profile, and a few scuffs on the lower right lug profile.
Bezel: Lightly previously polished and shows matching normal wear. Correct blue-back red/blue 'Pepsi' insert shows two small specks of wear flanking the triangle at 12:00 and some developing patina on the red half.
Dial: The glossy black surface exhibits very light and even 'stippling' throughout resulting in an attractive 'matte' texture. The Tritium-filled white gold indices show light and even patination, with minor surface loss on the 5:00 plot. The handset matches nicely to the naked eye and under UV inspection and the 24hr hand exhibits some surface oxidation.
Bracelet: Correct Rolex stainless steel Oyster bracelet with 9 links and signed blade clasp stamped 'G'. Previously polished and shows and normal signs of wear with virtually no stretch.. Sized for ≈7" 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.
