Rolex GMT-Master II 16700 automatic 40 mm 1991

The story

The story of this monument to watchmaking begins in the early 1950s. For several years already, international and transcontinental flights had been developing. Pilots had to cross oceans and land in a different time zone. Pan American World Airways came up with the idea of ordering a watch that could read the time in two time zones simultaneously. The GMT-Master was born... This watch, which is still in the Maison Rolex catalog, is a real passion, and we're delighted to be able to present you with a fine example from 1991!

The basics

The world of vintage Rolex and the plethora of iterations seen over the years is staggering. Focusing solely on the GMT and the transition from GMT-Master to Master II, it's possible to highlight some interesting developments in the way Rolex makes its watches. The latest GMT-Master references still retain vestiges of typically vintage features, from the use of tritium to the coupled hour and GMT hands. However, the "five-digit" reference numbers have begun to show clearer signs of modernity, adding features such as quick date change and modernized dials.

The latest GMT-Master...

Rolex launched the very first GMT-Master with reference 6542 in 1954. This reference featured a two-tone bezel that allowed its wearer to distinguish at a glance between day and night in their chosen time zone. Rolex then replaced this reference in 1959 with the iconic 1675, and in 1980 the brand launched reference 16750. After a short production period of just eight years, the Manufacture unveiled the model we have here, reference 16700.

The Rolex GMT-Master reference 16700 is considered one of the most interesting watches in the history of the GMT-Master collection, not least because when it was launched in 1988, it was marketed alongside the first GMT-Master II reference, the 16760, released 5 years earlier. At the time, the 16700 was positioned as the more affordable option of the two travel watches, and was distinguished by its slimmer, more traditional case measuring 40 mm by 12 mm thick, compared to the "Fat Lady" silhouette of the 16760, which notably featured thicker lugs and a 1 mm increase in thickness.

This difference in thickness on the part of the 16700 is explained by the use of the Rolex caliber 3175, whose automatic mechanism represents the brand's last "fixed" GMT movement (non-independent GMT hand), whereas all subsequent calibers - for example the caliber 3085 of the 16760 - allow independent operation of the GMT hand and the hour hand, and thus the reading of a third time zone.

The brand produced this reference until 1999, and has undergone numerous evolutions. However, this reference only existed in steel with a choice of two different bezels: the famous red and blue "Pepsi" and the black "LN" version. During its 11-year production run, the 16700 coincided with an important change at Rolex, when the luminous material used by the brand switched from tritium to Luminova, and then to Superluminova. Thus, the first examples of the reference equipped with tritium will have a patina as if they were an antique watch, while those produced after around 1997 use Luminova, whose numerals, indexes and hands will remain immaculately white for many years to come!

What you need to know

We're looking here at a 1991 model with tritium indexes and hands showing a very nice patina. This watch is in very nice condition and its bracelet Ref. 78360 end links 501B has little relaxation! This GMT-Master is a "coup de coeur" model that eagerly awaits you in our Lepage Time Collector case! Indeed, the fact that the aged tritium and white gold-rimmed hour-markers are found on the same watch, testifying to two different eras in Rolex's history, is part of the interesting appeal of this piece! It's also the only GMT-Master with a sapphire crystal!

The package

This GMT-Master will be delivered to you Full Set, with its case and 1991 warranty. Like all our watches featured on Lepage 10h10, this one has been authenticated and checked by our Rolex-approved watchmaker and as such benefits from the Lepage Vintage 1-year warranty. You can also benefit from a free engraving on the caseback on simple request.