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.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$8,000 – $12,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
GMT-Master
Movement
Automatic cal. 3075
Reference
16753
Bracelet
Stainless steel and 18kt yellow gold Oyster bracelet
Year
1989
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel and 18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Offered with a black dial to match its black bezel insert to create a luxurious black and gold aesthetic when combined with its 18kt gold crown, bezel ring, and dial furniture, the ref. 16753's introduction in the 1980s provided a new look for the GMT-Master, a look that has since become iconic.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Made of 18kt yellow gold and stainless steel, the ref. 16753 strikes a balance between luxury and utility that makes it a perfect watch to elevate one's everyday aesthetic.
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 excellent condition. The steel case shows surface scratches and a few small nicks to the polished sides, while remaining very well defined. The yellow gold bezel displays light surface marks, and the black insert remains near mint. The black dial is near mint and the yellow gold hands are very clean. There are a number of scrtaches on the crystal. It is fitted with a solid-link steel and yellow gold Oyster bracelet showing surface marks and light play between the links. A previous owner retrofit a genuine Submariner fliplock buckle to the bracelet in lieu of the standard clasp. The bracelet is fitted with 12 links, 2 of which are removable, and fits approximately a 7½” wrist.
Our Perspective
Blending luxury with utility, the ref. 16753's stainless steel and 18kt yellow gold construction and useful functions combine to offer a truly beautiful design that is both practical and stylish.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
