| Brand | Rolex |
|---|---|
| Model | |
| Reference | 16700 |
| Year of production (circa) | 1996 |
| Material | Steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Dial color | Black |
| Movement | Automatic |
| Diameter | 40 mm |
| Bracelet/strap: | Steel |
| Lug Width | 20 mm |
| Set Content | Original box, Rolex service papers 2019 |
Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 16700 Pepsi
The history of the GMT Master has 2 lines in the 80s, GMT Master (I) and GMT Master II.
In 1983 the GMT Master II line was introduced but they continued to make the GMT Master in addition. In 1988 the last reference of the first line was really made, reference 16700. This was produced till about 1999, then the focus was on the GMT-Master II.
The ‘last’ master was only made in steel so that the watch remained affordable for a larger audience. It was delivered with Oyster or Jubilee bracelet and with ‘Pepsi’ (red/blue) or black bezel. Look at the master we present, a Pepsi! From 1996 with original box and Service papers,stunner! Somewhere in the history of this watch the dial has been changed through Rolex, but still a cool Rolex Sports watch.
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Details
Backstory
Shipping
Brand
Rolex
Movement
Automatic
Model
GMT Master
Diameter
40 mm
Reference
16700
Bracelet/strap:
Steel
Year of production (circa)
1996
Lug Width
20 mm
Material
Steel
Set Content
Original box, Rolex service papers 2019
Crystal
Sapphire
Warranty
2 year (AWCo)
Dial color
Black
The Rolex GMT Master was developed on request by Pan-Am airways in 1954. It was the age of air travel and for the first time in history, it became common practice to routinely cross timezones. Pan-Am requested a watch for its crews, that would allow for easy referencing of the time while doing so. Rolex obliged with an adapted Turn-o-graph Ref. 6202. It got a different bezel and a fourth 24-hour hand. It was labeled GMT Master Ref. 6542.
Rolex fitted the GMT Master with a bakelite bezel insert, displaying 24 hours. A, now iconic, color-scheme of blue for the night and red for the day was introduced. The Pepsi Rolex was born. Since bakelite was prone to breaking, an aluminum bezel insert was introduced in 1956.
The Ref. 6542 had a relatively short production period of five years, before being replaced by the fan-favorite Ref. 1675 in 1959. The updated model was equipped with crown-guards and a hacking movement. It is the archetypal Rolex GMT Master we all know and love. It has been produced in a variety of colors, in steel, gold and two-tone variants and with different bracelet options.
In 1981, the Ref 16750 was introduced, which came with a quickset date and a higher water resistance of 100 meters over the Ref. 1675’s 50 meters. It was accompanied by the Ref. 16760 in 1983, also known as the GMT Master II. For the first time, the fourth hand could be individually set, upping the number of trackable timezones from two to three. The two versions coexisted for about five years. The Ref. 16760 featured a sapphire crystal and a slightly thicker case, earning it the nicknames “Fat Lady” and “Sophia Loren”.
The late 80’s and 90’s saw a few more updates to both the GMT Master and the GMT Master II. In 2005, the ceramic GMT Master II (the six-digit references) was launched, putting us firmly into modern GMT territory.
The GMT Master is still a watch that exudes adventure. It is all about globetrotting in style. It is both rugged and elegant, a tool and a piece of jewelry. You can opt for that iconic blue & red look, or go for an almost-Submariner-like black version. And as with all Rolex, there are loads of rare and exotic versions to be found.
Of course it is of the utmost importance to get your purchase to your doorstep safely. Therefore, we ship all our packages insured worldwide.
We do our best to handle packages as soon as possible. This could take a max. of 3 working days. Note that the delivery times commence the day of dispatch.
Unfortunately, we cannot be held responsible for any delays caused by destination customs clearance processes, local duties and taxes, and items that are lost in transit.
We do our best to handle packages as soon as possible. This could take a max. of 3 working days. Note that the delivery times commence the day of dispatch.
Unfortunately, we cannot be held responsible for any delays caused by destination customs clearance processes, local duties and taxes, and items that are lost in transit.
Please email us for more information at info@awco.nl.