Rolex

1991 Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 16700) "Pepsi"

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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 time zones 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 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 time zone, and, using the rotating 24-hour scale bezel, correct the offset to display a second timezone on the 24-hour scale.

The reference 16700 GMT-Master started production in 1988 as the improved upon version of its predecessor, the 16750. Featuring the updated 3175 movements and sapphire crystal. Rolex offered the 16700 GMT-Master as a more affordable "GMT" option alongside the more upgraded GMT-Master II, and production went on for a surprising 11 years when it ceased production in 1999. Interestingly enough, the ref. 16700 had notably fewer production numbers than its big brother the 16710 making for an overall harder watch to obtain as a result.

Stock #
RLXGMT16700-5
Brand Rolex
Style GMT-Master
Model 16700 
Serial N2XXXXX
Size Men's
Material Stainless Steel
Dial Black Glossy
Millimeters 40
Bracelet Rolex 78360 Oyster Bracelet W/ 501 B End Pieces

CASE & BRACELET

The thick and symmetrical case is in excellent condition, showing minimal signs of previous polishing and light signs of use. The original "Pepsi" bezel insert shows minimal signs of use and has achieved a desirable fade, with the red changing to a subtle pink and the blue remaining bright throughout. The Rolex 78360 Oyster bracelet with 501B end pieces retains 12 links that show almost no stretch and will fit up to a 7 1/2 inch wrist. 

DIAL & HANDS

The glossy black dial with white gold surround markers is in excellent condition with no damage or notable signs of age. The tritium lume plots exhibit a subtle ivory color in sunlight and show no degradation under U.V. light inspection. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly, under U.V. light inspection the hour, minute, and seconds hand feature some very minor cracking and remain stable, the 24hr hand is fully intact.

ACCESSORIES 

None. The watch just received a full service and comes backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.