Rolex
1981 Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 16750) Matte Dial "Pepsi"
The Rolex GMT-Master, a symbol of sophistication and versatility, has a storied history that dates back to 1954. It all started when Rolex received a request from Pan American Airways (Pan Am) to develop a technical pilot's watch capable of displaying two time zones simultaneously. With the advent of commercial transcontinental flights, Pan Am needed a watch for their long-haul international flight crews that would enable them to keep track of time in multiple locations.
GMT, which stands for Greenwich Mean Time, is the universal time standard that regulates the world's clocks and serves as the basis for aviation planning and schedules. The Rolex GMT-Master is equipped with a fourth 24-hour hand that displays the same time zone as the standard 12-hour hand but on a 24-hour scale. This GMT hand allows wearers to set the watch to GMT or any other time zone and then adjust the offset using the rotating 24-hour bezel to display a second timezone. This remarkable feature makes the Rolex GMT-Master a must-have for anyone who frequently travels across multiple time zones, allowing them to keep track of two time zones with ease and precision.
The Rolex ref. 16750 was the third GMT-Master model introduced by the Crown and was the direct successor to the long-running model the ref. 1675. First introduced in 1979 and discontinued in 1988, the ref. 16750 only had a short window of production compared to its constituents, especially considering the very transitional nature of the reference. The most notable upgrade initially introduced with the GMT-Master ref. 16750 was the employment of the Cal. 3035 quickset movement, a first for the GMT at the time. Due to the very transitional nature of this ref. 16750, the 9-year production window is broken into two dial variations, the early matte dial version, and the later glossy dial version.
From 1979 to 1984 the GMT-Master ref. 16750 was solely produced with a matte dial, this variation is most prized by vintage collectors for its very vintage aesthetic, matching the same appearance to the references predecessor ref. 1675 but while featuring the improvements the new reference brings. In the second half of 1984 Rolex introduced the glossy black dials with white gold surrounds across both the Submariner and GMT-Master references, the ref. 16750 included, and marked a massive transition for the watchmaker as a whole.
Stock # | RLXGMT1675081 |
|
Brand | Rolex | |
Style | GMT-Master | |
Model | 16750 | |
Serial | 67XXXXX | |
Size | Men's | |
Material | Stainless Steel | |
Dial | Matte Black | |
Millimeters | 40 | |
Bracelet | Rolex 78360 Oyster Bracelet W/ 580 End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
The impressive case retains original chamfers and factory finishing throughout the very thick lugs, with no obvious signs of previous polishing but honest signs of use shown. The orignial blue back bezel insert is pristine and features "fat font" numerals while retaining deep colors in both the red and blue portions. The case back also retains its factory finish with gentle yet normal signs of use. The original Rolex 78360 Oyster bracelet with 580 end pieces retains 11 links that show very minimal stretch and will fit up to a 7-inch wrist.
DIAL & HANDS
The original and genuinely incredible matte black dial is in flawless condition, showing no age, damage, or imperfections whatsoever. The tritium lume plots have achieved a vivid golden patina with no degradation present under U.V. light inspection. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly and feature no degradation under U.V. light inspection, the hour hand displays some superficial surface cracking but no actual lume loss or degradation is shown. The metallic date wheel is original with "open" 6's and 9's.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is keeping time, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.