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.
Released in 1982 and produced until just 1988, the Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 16760 "Fat Lady” debuted as the very first GMT-Master II reference, with it bringing a slew of changes to the collection such as its thicker case, beefier lugs, and generally larger design – all of which combined to earn it its “Fat Lady” nickname. Boating a black and red aluminum bezel, another introduction to the model, the Fat Lady also earned the nickname of “Coke” after its color similarity to Coca-Cola’s color palette, a common theme for Rolex’s watches. Boasting 18kt white gold applied luminous indices on its black dial and powered by the automatic cal. 3085 movement, the Fat Lady is still a GMT-Master II at heart, but a rather obscure and rare variant thanks to its short production run and unpopular proportions which were soon brought back in line with previous generations with the introduction of the ref. 16700 in 1988.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$5,000 – $8,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
GMT-Master II
Movement
Automatic cal. 3085
Reference
16760
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1987
Condition
Very Good
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black
THE DISPLAY
Introducing a new black and red bezel color combination to the GMT family, the ref. 16760's display was a departure from the previous models.
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.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Nicknamed the "Fat Lady" on account of its larger case proportions, thicker lugs, and taller profile, the ref. 16760 carries far more wrist presence than other similar-aged models from Rolex at the time.
Condition
Watch is in very good overall condition, showing signs of previous polishing with a few scratches and some nicks, particularly on the ends of the top lugs. The bezel is well-defined and features a naturally aged black and red insert with some light surface marks. The glossy dial is in excellent condition, with hour plots that match the hands well in tone. The sapphire crystal has a couple of visible scratches and marks. The solid link bracelet has 13 links total, 2 of which are removable. It fits an approx 7" wrist and shows light stretch.
Our Perspective
A rare and obscure GMT model thanks to its short production run and unpopular construction at the time, the ref. 16760 has become one of Rolex's most sought-after neo-vintage offerings, with its iconic black and red bezel only adding to its desirability.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
