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Lot #2213

Rolex GMT-Master II 16713 Two-Tone Root Beer

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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

$6,000 – $12,000

The Details

Brand

Rolex

Dimensions

40mm

Model

GMT-Master II

Movement

Automatic cal. 3185

Reference

16713

Bracelet

Two Tone Oyster

Year

1990

Condition

Excellent

Material

Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow Gold

Included

Watch Only

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 yellow gold and stainless steel construction.

THE AESTHETIC

Dressed up on a leather strap, this example's aesthetic is more refined than when on its usual bracelet. Beyond that, its faded bezel insert adds another layer of dimensionality to its aesthetic that is unable to be replicated thanks to its unique ageing.

TIMING MACHINE READOUT

Condition

Watch is in excellent overall condition. Case show slight wear on lugs and case. The bezel insert is faded to a very light color with a few marks and nicks as shown in the images. Brown dial in excellent condition showing minor wear. The bracelet has 12 links total, 2 of which are removable. There is little stretch.

Our Perspective

Unique in its aesthetic thanks to its faded bezel insert and beautiful brown dial, this example is full of character and intrigue - the perfect combination for any vintage Rolex.