Introduction
Born from Rolex’s long association with international aviation, the GMT-Master has evolved from a purpose-built pilot’s watch into one of the manufacture’s most recognisable sports models. The arrival of the GMT-Master II added an independently adjustable local hour hand, making the watch considerably more versatile while retaining the familiar rotating 24-hour bezel and additional GMT hand.
The ref. 16713 brought this functionality together with Rolex’s two-tone aesthetic, combining stainless steel with 18k yellow gold. Nicknamed the “Root Beer” for its distinctive brown dial and complementary bezel insert, the reference offers a warmer and more characterful alternative to the predominantly steel GMT-Master II models of the period. This 1989 example pairs those rich brown tones with gold hands and hour markers and a two-tone Oyster bracelet.
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Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$6,000 – $10,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
GMT-Master II “Root Beer”
Movement
Automatic Rolex cal. 3185
Reference
16713
Bracelet
Stainless steel and 18k yellow gold Oyster bracelet
Year
1989
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel and 18k yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Brown
THE DIAL
The rich brown dial is central to the distinctive character of the “Root Beer”, with applied gold surrounds, gold hands and warm-toned printing complementing the yellow gold elements of the case and bracelet. Together with the matching brown and gold-toned 24-hour bezel insert, it gives the ref. 16713 an unmistakable aesthetic within the GMT-Master family.
THE CONSTRUCTION
The classic 40mm Oyster case combines stainless steel with an 18k yellow gold winding crown and bezel, while the matching two-tone Oyster bracelet continues the combination across the wrist. The bidirectional 24-hour bezel works in conjunction with the additional GMT hand, allowing the wearer to reference multiple time zones.
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 light surface scuffs and marks, with signs of a previous polish. The yellow gold bezel remains very well defined, while the faded insert shows some surface scratches and small nicks. The dial and hands are in near-mint condition. The crystal shows some surface marks. It is fitted with a solid-link steel and yellow gold Oyster bracelet showing surface scratches to the polished gold sections and some wear to the coronet on the clasp. There is light play between the links. The bracelet is fitted with 12 links, 2 of which are removable, and fits approximately a 7½” wrist.
Our Perspective
The “Root Beer” has one of the most distinctive personalities of any vintage or neo-vintage GMT-Master II. Once overshadowed by its steel counterparts, the ref. 16713 has developed a strong following for precisely what makes it different: its warm brown dial, complementary bezel and unmistakably period two-tone construction. This 1996 example is made particularly appealing by the inclusion of its original box and papers together with later Rolex service documentation.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
