Rolex GMT-Master, Ref. 16700, Full-set, Circa 1993

What do Pan Am, Pussy Galore, Magnum PI, and Pepsi all have in common? Rolex’s iconic and brilliantly clever traveler’s watch – the GMT-Master! If the Submariner embodies the shared spirit of adventure and purpose that all divers share, the GMT-Master distills the romance of travel and aviation into a watch – a timepiece originally designed for the jet set at a time when world travel and the optimism of commercial flight had fully captured the imagination of the masses.

Designed in the mid-1950s specifically at the request of Pan Am Airlines for pilots whose hauls had them crossing multiple time zones, the GMT-Master – most commonly seen with its unmistakable “Pepsi” red and blue 24 hr bezel insert – is as aesthetically striking as it is useful. For those constantly on-the-go or those that just prefer their classic Rolex sports watch with a bold pop of color, the GMT-Master has risen in popularity to become one of the most adored and sought after Rolex models ever made – with vintage references like the 1675 becoming one of the hottest buys in vintage Rolex today.

As we’ve seen with early Submariners and Explorers, the “neo-vintage” iteration of the GMT-Master model has found its place as the ideal piece for those that want the spirit and charm, but also like modern durability, functionality, and prefer a piece that can be daily worn without a second thought. This particular example of a ref. 16700 GMT-Master II was made around 1991 and is in great condition. The stainless steel case appears to be unpolished with little-to-no wear visible on the lugs. The dial is in mint condition and retains its factory gloss, and the original lume is not only present on both the dial and hands, but has aged to a nice, warm patina. clean as well. This watch comes fitted on a Rolex Oyster 78360 bracelet with 501B endlinks and 12 full links which display no stretch. For the serious collector, this neo-vintage piece comes complete with its original box and papers.