Rolex
1990 Rolex GMT-Master II (Ref. 16718) 18k YG
The Rolex GMT is the jet-setting icon of the Rolex sports watch family. The history of this sophisticated, versatile style dates back to 1954 when Rolex received a request from Pan Am to create a technical pilot's watch that could indicate two timezones simultaneously. As advances in aviation made transcontinental flights commercially available Pan Am needed a watch that could be issued to their crews on long-haul international flights.
GMT stands for Greenwich Mean Time - the time zone that regulates world clocks and is required for all aviation planning and schedules. The Rolex GMT Master has a fourth 24-hour hand that directly displays the same time zone as the standard 12-hour hand but on a 24-hour scale. The addition of this GMT hand enabled crews to set the watch to GMT or another timezone using the rotating 24-hour scale bezel, using the bezel in conjunction with the hand to display a second timezone.
This feature is just as useful today, allowing the modern traveler to easily keep track of his home time zone, no matter how far he may have journeyed.
Stock # | RLXGMT16718-90 | |
Brand | Rolex | |
Style | GMT-Master II | |
Model | 16718 | |
Serial | E4XXXXX | |
Size | Men's | |
Material | 18k Yellow Gold | |
Dial | Black Gloss | |
Millimeters | 40mm | |
Strap | Rolex 18k YG Super Jubilee Bracelet W/ 47B End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
The 18k yellow gold case remains strong, retaining full and even lugs that shows only light signs of use. The 18k yellow gold bezel is in wonderful condition as well, showing little to no signs of use. The bezel insert shows some wear from use remaining deep black in coloration. The Rolex 18k yellow gold "super Jubilee" bracelet with 47B end pieces shows moderate stretch from use otherwise remaining in excellent condition.
DIAL & HANDS
ACCESSORIES
None, The watch is keeping time at spec but extended service history is unknown.