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
Box and Papers
Est. value range
$12,000 – $15,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
GMT-Master II 'Root Beer'
Movement
Automatic cal. 3185
Reference
16713
Bracelet
Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Oyster bracelet
Year
1996
Condition
Very Good/ Excellent
Material
Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow Gold
Included
Watch, Box, Papers and 2021 Service Papers
Dial Color
Brown
THE DIAL
Fitted with a stunning brown dial, the ref. 16713's golden hands, hour markers, and inscriptions serve as a wonderful link to its two-tone rose gold and stainless steel construction.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Presented in exquisite condition, this example's lines are sharp and its silver and brown aluminum bezel insert is almost perfectly preserved with the exception of some small blemishes.
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
Overall condition is very good to excellent. Dial is blemish free. Watch has been previously polished. There is a total of 12 links, two of which are removable. The band has light stretch. Watch was recently serviced by Rolex and associated paperwork is included.
Our Perspective
A gorgeous watch with a distinctive aesthetic, the Root beer has long been underappreciated by collectors as they instead gravitated towards its stainless steel siblings. However, in recent years it has developed a strong following amongst collectors thanks to its stunning looks and relative value for money.
