Introduced in 1988, the Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 16700 was the final chapter of the original GMT-Master story, a lineage that began in 1955 at the request of Pan American Airways. As commercial air travel expanded rapidly during the jet age, pilots required a reliable means of tracking both local and home time simultaneously, leading Rolex to develop one of the most influential travel watches ever produced.
This reference was powered by the Calibre 3175 automatic movement, featuring a quick-set date and 24-hour display. Produced until 1999, the 16700 occupied a unique position within the Rolex catalogue, offered alongside the GMT-Master II while retaining the traditional GMT-Master architecture. As the last reference to carry the original GMT-Master designation, it marks the end of more than four decades of continuous development.
The instantly recognisable red and blue “Pepsi” bezel remains one of the defining features of the model. Originally conceived to differentiate daytime and nighttime hours on the 24-hour scale, the two-tone insert provided a simple yet highly effective visual aid for pilots crossing time zones. Its association with the golden era of international aviation has since made it one of the most iconic bezel designs in watchmaking.
By the late 1980s and 1990s, the GMT-Master had evolved beyond its professional roots to become a favourite among business travellers, collectors, and enthusiasts alike. The 16700 benefited from modern manufacturing techniques while preserving the proportions and character that defined earlier references, resulting in a watch that bridges the gap between vintage Rolex sports models and their contemporary counterparts.
Today, the Ref. 16700 is increasingly appreciated for its historical importance, relatively short production run, and status as the final expression of the original GMT-Master concept. Combining robust functionality, understated elegance, and a direct connection to the pioneering years of long-haul air travel, it remains one of the most compelling references within the Rolex sports watch lineage.
| Case Size | 40mm (excluding crown) |
|---|---|
| Complications | GMT. |
| Delivery | Watch and box. |
| Calibre | Rolex in-house Cal. 3175 |
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