Rolex GMT-Master 16700

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The reference 16700 is the perfect neo-vintage GMT.The ref. 16700 was introduced in 1988 and was the first GMT to feature both a glossy black dial with applied white gold hour markers and a sapphire crystal. This specimen is a very early execution, dating back to 1988. It comes with a nice and thick stainless steel Oyster case and bracelet, together with a beautiful lightly faded aluminium ‘Pepsi’ bezel insert. The watch runs on the calibre 3175 that includes a quickset date but does not yet have the quickset GMT setting.

Introduction

Rolex GMT-MasterFasten your seatbelts for the story of the inimitable Rolex GMT-Master! As civil aviation took off after World War II, airlines began to fly over longer distances. As a result, pilots required accurate watches that could display multiple time zones simultaneously. In the early 1950s, Pan American Airways (Pan-Am) requested Rolex to develop a watch for this very purpose. The GMT-Master (‘GMT’ standing for ‘Greenwich Mean Time’) was introduced in 1954. It featured a 24-hour hand alongside the regular 12-hour hand. In combination with a bidirectional 24-hour bezel, this GMT hand could be used to read the home time zone while the 12-hour hand displayed the ‘local’ time.Despite its close links to aviation and its professional purpose, the Rolex GMT enjoys a fanbase far beyond the pilots it was originally intended for. Over the years Rolex has introduced many wonderful variations of the GMT: take your pick!

Specifications

Shipping

We offer complimentary worldwide shipping by insured courier. Packages are generally dispatched within 2 days after receipt of payment and are shipped by private courier, PostNL, FedEx or Ferrari group; depending the value and destination. Consult us if you prefer another method of shipping. For all destinations tracking is available.