Rolex GMT-Master 16750 'Transitional 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 seven years, from 1981 until 1988. It was very similar to its predecessor, the 1675, but introduced a new automatic movement. This calibre 3075 introduced a handy quick-set date function.The 16750 carries the same thin case and plexiglass crystal as the 1675, but the modern glossy black dial with white-gold hour markers we associate with later references. Our 16750 contains a very early execution of the glossy dial, sporting the text ‘OYSTER PERPETUAL’ instead of the ‘OYSTER PERPETUAL DATE’ found on later iterations. The white-gold surround hour markers contain the original tritium that has patinated to a nice creamy color. The tritium-filled hands have similarly turned into a golden hue.As these watches were used heavily by their original owners, it is difficult to find cases that are not over polished. This case is in wonderful condition, with thick lugs and sharp edges. The red/blue ‘Pepsi’ insert has faded lightly over the years and contains some moderate scratches. To complete the package, the watch comes on a sporty stainless steel Oyster bracelet.

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!Pepsi BezelThe red/ blue bezel inserts on steel GMTs are often referred to as ‘Pepsi bezels’ because people associate the color scheme with the famous soda company. However, the colors red and blue were actually taken from the Pan-Am logo and meant to indicate day (red) and night (blue).The Pepsi bezel was available for nearly sixty years until it was discontinued in 2007. In 2014, Rolex relaunched the beloved Pepsi bezel with the new Cerachrom insert, which was only available on the white-gold model. At Baselworld 2018, the Pepsi was reintroduced on a stainless steel model.

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.