Introduction
Released in 1988, the Rolex GMT-Master ref. 16700 replaced the outgoing ref. 16760 "Fat Lady," as collectors longed for a slimmed-down GMT-Master without the Fat lady's thicker case, beefier lugs, and larger design. Discontinued in 1999, the ref. 16700 was produced alongside the modern GMT-Master II and its successor, the GMT-Master ref. 16710, which was released a year after in 1989. As both of these options were more technically advanced than the ref. 16700 that we have here, the ref. 16700 failed to perform as well as it might have, with collectors spending the extra money to buy either the ref. 16710 instead, or the GMT-Master II when it was released. This has enabled the ref. 16700 to enjoy superior demand within the modern market as collectors seek out this now scarce timepiece. Offered with either an all-black bezel or the iconic red and blue Pepsi bezel, the ref. 16700 is the quintessential GMT-Master with its elegant design and vintage traits such as an aluminum bezel insert, hollow end links, hollow center links, and tritium lume (until 1997).
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 9
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$8,000 – $10,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
GMT-Master
Movement
Self-Winding Cal. 3175
Reference
16700
Bracelet
Stainless Steel Oyster bracelet
Year
Circa 1990s
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless Steel
Included
Watch Only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Having introduced white gold hour markers surrounds and hands to the GMT-Master family, this example's dial appears new and free from corrosion like the GMT-Master models that came before it.
THE CASE
Offered in truly exceptional condition, the example we have here is well-preserved with thick bevels and clearly defined case edges only exhibiting signs of sporadic use over its long lifetime.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Presented in excellent condition considering its age, this examples bevels remain thick, its case edges retain their sharp edge, and its anodized aluminum bezel appears nearly untouched. With some age-consistent nicks throughout its case and bracelet, it is fair to assume this timepiece saw sporadic use over the course of its lifetime. This example is offered with 12 links on its bracelet and 1 spare for a total of 13 links.
Our Perspective
Legendary as the timepiece that enabled Rolex to dominate the skies, the GMT-Master's popularity has shown no signs of slowing down, with collectors clamoring to acquire the timepiece that brought about one of the Genevan Giant's most popular modern collections.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
