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
$10,000 – $15,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
GMT-Master II
Movement
Automatic cal. 3185
Reference
16718
Bracelet
18kt yellow gold Oyster bracelet
Year
1991
Condition
Very Good
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Champagne 'Serti' (Aftermarket)
THE DIAL
Named after the French word "Sertir", or to "set" in English, the aftermarket 'Serti' dial boasts gem-set hour markers with ruby hour markers at 12, 6 and 9 o'clock and diamonds elsewhere that give the timepiece a wonderfully luxurious aesthetic.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Speaking to the luxury of its gem-set dial, the ref. 16718's 18t yellow gold case and bracelet combine to propel this timepiece into the realm of the truly extravagant.
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 very good overall condition. Case has been previously polished, with no visible chamfered edge along case. Minor marks and scratches visible on the surface. Dial is a high quality refinished aftermarket dial, not of Rolex manufacture. Watch comes on an original oyster bracelet with 12 links total, 2 of which are removable. It fits a 7 1/4" wrist and exhibits only minor stretch, but the coronet on the clasp is slightly worn/polished with some loss of definition.
Our Perspective
Combining Rolex's esteemed talents as a watchmaker and jeweler in equal measure, this Serti dial 18kt yellow gold GMT-Master II features everything that a Rolex collector might want from its golden construction to its practical complication to its gem-set Serti dial.
Sam Hines
Managing Director
