Rolex GMT Master

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SKU AS02172
SKU AS02172

Why We Love it

Though the emergence of jet travel in the 1950s and 1960s made the world seem so much smaller, it was by no means the great equalizer. For example, a ticket from New York to Paris on Trans World Airlines cost $275, the equivalent of $2388 in today’s money. A whole subculture sprung up around this new means of travel—the Jet Set, who had the means to chase the sun from resort to resort.

And the watch that many of them wore was the Rolex GMT Master. 

While owning a Rolex—any Rolex—was a way to broadcast success, owning a GMT Master (a watch that was literally designed for the Jet Set) was the horological equivalent of flashing your Pan-Am tickets in casual conversation. Throughout its lengthy production run, it has maintained the same prestige and status, sought after by collectors who admire the model’s origin story or wish to capture the glamor of la dolce vita. While some collectors favor the Bakelite-bezeled early models, many view the the Reference 1675 as the quintessence of the model.

But the 1675 was only produced from 1960 to 1980. Though it enjoyed a healthy production run, the desirability of matte dial examples from the 1960s and 1970s has created a scarcity of them on the market. Meanwhile, examples of the Reference 16750—with which Rolex replaced the 1675—are now becoming vintage at 30 to 37 years of age.

The 16750 is what’s known as a transitional model by Rolex collectors today. Early versions boasted a matte dial, just like its predecessor. After a few years of production, Rolex began transitioning to a glossy dial configuration with white gold surrounds on the hour markers—the same style of dial that was carried over into the modern GMT-Master II references. 

It isn’t hard to understand why the 16750 GMT-Master is viewed as The Reference to own by many knowledgeable collectors. Virtually identical to the classic 1675 on the outside, it features a more modern and improved movement on the inside. With the upgraded Caliber 3075 movement, the 16750 had an increased beat rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour (avant-garde for the time), and the quick-set date was a welcome convenience for owners.

The example that we’ve sourced here features all the elements you'd want in a wearable vintage Rolex sports model. With the telltale signs of a visit to RSC in the past, this late production matte dial has a very strong case with professional refinishing and is replete with the creamy tritium indices that give vintage Rolex sports models their character. It also comes complete with its full set of inner box and outer boxes, punched papers, polishing cloth, wallet calendar, and serialized hangtag!

With a short production run (only eight years) and a cult following of its own, the Reference 16750 deserves to be considered as a classic in its own right, and not just as a more affordable alternative to the 1675. 

A:S Guarantee

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Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Shipping & Returns

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All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Rolex GMT Master

Rolex GMT Master

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Rolex GMT Master

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