Introduction
Released in 1954, the Rolex GMT-Master resulted from a collaboration between now-extinct airline Pan Am and Rolex on a watch that would display the time across two time zones at once. Thanks to the popularisation of commercial air travel, planes were becoming more advanced and traveling longer distances. This resulted in pilots crossing time zones during flights more frequently, and thus a need for uniformity across the aviation industry was highlighted. To eliminate errors caused by time confusion, the industry adopted a standard time-zone, Greenwich Mean Time. As such, the GMT-Master's fourth hand, its 2nd hour hand, was used to constantly display Greenwich Mean Time, as its model name implies, while its regular hour hand displayed local time. While the aviation industry's standard time-zone switched to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) in 1972, the name of the legendary GMT-Master was far too long in use for Rolex to change it. Today, the GMT-Master has become one of Rolex's most iconic models, with very few pilot's watches, if any, rivaling its level of fame, popularity, or signature design – and it certainly looks like it will stay that way.
Derived from the ref. 1675 which replaced the ref. 6542 in 1959, the Rolex GMT Master ref. 16750 was released in 1980 and continued where its predecessor left off. Featuring the crown guards and "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" inscription that the ref. 1675 introduced to the collection, the new ref. 16750 also introduced the cal. 3075 movement to the collection which featured the not-yet-seen quickset feature, and 100m water resistance - double the previous models, and still the collection's standard to this day. Exiting production around 1988, the ref. 16750 is one of the rarer GMT variants, with some enjoying over 20 years of production. Combined with its short 7-year production run and given that it is the very last of the acrylic crystal GMT-Master references, the ref. 16750 is a highly sought-after timepiece with an iconic heritage and some of watchmaking's modern superstar timepieces existing as its descendants.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$6,000 – $10,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
GMT-Master
Movement
Automatic cal. 3075
Reference
16750
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1980
Condition
Very good
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch Only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
In keeping with the transitional nature of the ref. 16750, this example's dial boasts 18kt white gold hour marker surrounds that give it a more modern aesthetic that is indicative of its position as a later example.
THE CONSTRUCTION
A transitional reference, as mentioned, the ref. 16750 introduced a new movement to the GMT-Master collection, yet it still boasted an acrylic crystal that combines with its aluminum bezel to give it a distinctly more vintage feel on the wrist than the ref. 16700 that replaced it.
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
Watch is in overall very good condition. The steel case has been previously polished, with slightly softened edges and scratches and nicks commensurate with a watch of this vintage. The bezel is an aftermarket non-Rolex part. The dial is in very good condition, and the hands have been relumed at some point. Acrylic crystal has multiple marks and scratches on the surface. The solid link bracelet has moderate play between the links, and the coronet on the clasp is very worn. The bracelet currently fits a 7 1/2" wrist and has 12 links, 2 of which are removable.
Our Perspective
A wonderful example of a 1980s Rolex sports watch, this 16750 is the definition of "transitional", with its updated quickset movement and 18kt white gold applied indices, but with the charm of the earlier generation plexi crystal.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
