Rolex GMT-Master ref. 16750 'Pepsi', Gloss Dial

Dealer description — Oliver & Clarke

The Rolex GMT-Master is one of the most historic and iconic watches the brand ever produced. Its origin dates back to a commission request by Pan American World Airways in the early 50’s for their fleet of pilots who needed access to different time zones. These pieces would feature a similar design to another watch that Rolex was developing around that time, the Submariner, but would include a fourth hand running on 24-hr time, and a bi-colored bezel insert to represent AM/PM times. Those colors, naturally, would be the PanAm colors: Red & Blue. Thus, in 1953, the Ref. 6542 GMT-Master was born. These early pieces were ultimately, fragile arguably flawed in some ways, and were therefor succeeded by the updated Reference 1675 in 1959. This Reference introduced a larger case size with crown-guards and a bi-colored blue + red bezel insert made of aluminum. The Ref. 1675 underwent many small changes over its 21-year production run, with a slew of dial, bezel, bracelet, and hand variations. You know, Rolex stuff. And eventually, the 1675 would evolve into the first 5-digit GMT-Master, The Ref. 16750 that we have here. These pieces, at a glance, retain the look and feel like a 1675, but now utilize a 'quickset' date function with the Calibre 3075 movement, and are typically broken down into two difference variants, each with their own appeal. The early pieces feature matte black dials, whereas the second half of production introduced glossy black dials with the first applied Tritium-filled white gold indices. The piece that we have here is the latter, with a glossy black dial. It dates to circa 1985 and remains in strong overall condition, with a thick, symmetrical case that has been lightly previously polished. It shows normal signs of wear throughout with only a few small scattered blemishes. The gloss black dial within has developed a light, even 'stippling' throughout, resulting in an attractive matte appearance with nicely patinated Tritium plots within those white gold applied indices. The Tritium handset also matches beautifully. The bezel exhibits matching wear to the case, and has a correct 'Pepsi' insert with vibrant blue and red colors. It comes fitted to a correct solid-link Oyster bracelet with a signed blade clasp that matches the condition of the case. Overlooked for many years, the Ref. 16750 carries over virtually everything that collectors love about its predecessor, but have that added functionality of a quickset date. And though not exceedingly rare, are certainly not common and can still be had for less than a 1675. Sounds pretty good if you ask us!