Rolex
1989 Rolex GMT-Master II (Ref. 16710) "Pepsi"
In 1954 Pan Am started using the newly designed Boeing 707 which allowed for Pan Am to fly transcontinentally and is said to have started the commercially available jet age. In the same year, Rolex received a request from Pan Am to create a technical pilot's watch which indicated two time zones simultaneously that could be issued by the airline to their crews on long-haul transcontinental international flights.
GMT or UTC stands for Greenwich Mean Time or Coordinated Universal Time which is the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time. GMT or UTC is the time zone that is required for all aviation planning, weather forecasts, schedules, and other paperwork.
The original Rolex GMT Master has a fourth 24-hour hand directly displaying the same time zone as the standard 12-hour hand but on a 24-hour scale. This GMT hand enabled the crews to set the watch to GMT or another time zone, and, using the rotatable 24-hour scale bezel, set to the correct offset thus displaying a second time zone on the 24-hour scale.
This modern classic is absolutely stunning and would make a great stand-alone piece or a great addition to an existing collection!
| Stock # |
RLXGMT16710-89/3 |
|
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | GMT-Master II | |
| Model | 16710 | |
| Serial | L8XXXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Glossy Black | |
| Millimeters | 40 | |
| Strap | Rolex 78360 Oyster Bracelet W/ 501 B End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
The excellent case has been lightly polished in the past and retains thick and symmetrical lugs that retain slight chamfers. The original blue and red "Pepsi" Bezel insert is in beautiful condition, remaining bright with no signs of use. The sapphire crystal displays some minor signs of use around its edge. The original Rolex 78360 Oyster bracelet with 501 B end pieces retains 11 links that show light stretch from use.
DIAL & HANDS
The glossy black dial with white gold surround markers is in lovely condition with almost no signs of age. The tritium lume plots have achieved a slight ivory patina and remain bright, under U.V. light inspection the lume plots display no degradation. The hands are later luminova service replacements and match the overall aesthetic of the watch.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch just received a full service and is running at COSC spec, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.