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
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$5,000 – $8,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
GMT-Master
Movement
Automatic cal. 3075
Reference
16753
Bracelet
Leather bund strap
Year
1980
Condition
Very Good
Material
18kt yellow gold and stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Brown
THE DIAL
Offered with a brown dial to match its two-tone "Rootbeer" bezel insert, 18kt gold crown, bezel, and dial furniture, the ref. 16753's introduction in the 1980s provided a new look for the GMT-Master, a look that has since become iconic.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Offered on a bund strap like a true pilot's watch, this example is worn just like how WWII pilots wore their watches. Bund straps are used to protect the wearer's skin from the watch case conducting heat from the cockpit onto their arm and burning them.
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 condition. Case has thick lugs and some surface wear along the edges and case sides. The bezel has teeth that are slightly soft. The luminova service dial is in excellent condition with a few areas of discoloration along the edge.
Our Perspective
Worn on a bund strap, this 16753 has a completely different look and feel vs. one worn on a bracelet. This transitional model features a quickset movement but with a plastic crystal. A rugged companion that's ready for years of adventures to come.
Sam Hines
Managing Director
