Rolex GMT-Master 16750 'Matte Pepsi'

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This lovely transitional GMT-Master combines the vintage details of the ref. 1675 with some notable technical improvements.
The transitional reference 16750 was produced for just a few years, from 1979 until 1988. It was very similar to its predecessor, the 1675, but introduced a new automatic movement (the calibre 3075) that, for the first time, contained a quick-set date function.
The ref. 16750 is best known for introducing the modern glossy black dial with applied white-gold hour markers to the GMT range. Yet, the very first series of the 16750 still carried the vintage-style grainy matte dial with painted tritium hour markers, making this particular watch an uncommon one within this transitional reference.
The 40 mm stainless steel case is in great condition and comes on a stainless steel solid-link Oyster bracelet. The dial features lovely custardy yellow indices that match well with the tritium filled handset. The iconic red and blue ‘Pepsi’ bezel inlay is still vibrant and features the correct blue back.

Introduction

Fasten 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

Packages are generally dispatched within 2 days after receipt of payment and are shipped within the Netherlands by Registered Mail through the Dutch carrier PostNL and for other countries by Fedex. Consult us if you prefer another method of shipping. For most destinations tracking is available.