Rolex GMT-Master 16700 - Swiss only

In the year 1988, the Rolex GMT-Master 16700 was introduced. This model is the successor of the GMT-Master 16750. The reference 16700 is the first GMT equipped with sapphire crystal and the hour markers surrounded with white gold. Under the slim 40mm steel case you will find the 3175 calibre which includes a quick-set date function, with no GMT quick-set yet. The Rolex GMT-Master 16700 was in production until the year 1999.

This Rolex GMT-Master reference 16700 dates from the year 1998 and features the 'Swiss only' dial. In the period of 1998 and 1999, Rolex switched from dials filled with Tritium to dials with 'Luminova'. The text at the bottom of the dial was changed to 'Swiss' only for one year. After this period, Rolex switched to 'Super Luminova' and the text at the bottom of the dial was changed to 'Swiss Made'. The 40mm case is in beautiful condition with sharp lugs. The oyster bracelet shows minimal stretch for its age. The red/blue aluminium Pepsi bezel has faded to a beautiful light red/pink colour over the years. This was common on watches that were exposed to a lot of sunlight in warm countries. According to the papers, this watch originates from Honolulu (Hawaii). So there is certainly no arguing about the taste of the previous owner! This beautiful vintage GMT-master comes with outer box, box, papers, calendar, translation booklet, GMT-Master booklet and hangtags.

What you need to know:
- Period correct 'Swiss only' Dial
- Strong case and sharp lugs
- Beautiful faded aluminium Pepsi bezel 
- 78790 Oyster bracelet
- U436XXX serial dates to the yesr 1998
- Comes with: outer box, box. papers, calendar, translation booklet, GMT-Master booklet and hangtags
- Free insured shipping
- 1 year mechanical warranty

Rolex GMT-Master

The first Rolex GMT-Master was introduced in 1954 under the reference 6542. The watch was housed in a classic steel Oyster case of 38 mm. The GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) function is a useful tool for pilots and those who have traveled extensively over different continents. The ability to track local and home time was especially useful for commercial pilots. The American airline Pan America Airlines (Pan Am) approached Rolex and asked them to develop a watch for pilots. This led to the development of the 6542. The iconic red-and-blue bezel made its debut on the 6542, known to collectors as the pepsi.

In 1959 Rolex launched their second series of the GMT-Master, the reference 1675. The case had been enlarged by 2mm and has a diameter of 40mm's. This reference would run until about 1980's.