WHY THIS WATCH IS SPECIAL

This is a very rare model given the nickname “Fat Lady” as it is .5 Millimeters thicker than a standard GMT-Master II. This model was produced from 1983-1988. At some point, this watch was sent to Rolex by its original owner for service where the dial, and hands were replaced. The watch comes on Rolex Heavy Oyster Flip Lock Bracelet, which is well-loved and has a comfortable amount of stretch.

This example is in overall honest condition with a strong case. The Rolex GMT-Master is an iconic timepiece with great versatility. This is a beautiful example that can be enjoyed and cherished for many years to come. 

THE FULL STORY

The Rolex GMT-Master wristwatch was originally designed in collaboration with Pan American Airways and issued by the airline to their crews on long-haul flights. ("GMT" in the name stands for Greenwich Mean Time also known as Coordinated Universal Time). The original GMT Master watch has a 24-hour display fourth hand complication directly linked to and displaying the same time zone as the standard 12-hour hand. This GMT hand enabled the crews to set the watch to GMT or another time zone, and, using the rotatable 24-hour scale bezel, set to the correct offset, a second-time zone could be read. GMT or UTC is the time zone that is required for all aviation planning, weather forecasts, schedules, and other paperwork.

In the early 1980s, the Rolex GMT-Master II was released (production of the original version continued alongside it until the late 1990s). Although the watch looks almost identical it uses a movement that has the additional capability of an independently adjustable quickset hour hand that can be adjusted to local time without stopping the seconds or disturbing the minutes and 24 hour GMT hand. As the watch continues to feature the rotatable bezel it is able to quickly compute any third timezone reference.

THE DETAILS

Maker: Rolex 
Model: GMT-Master II
Reference: 16760
Year: 1983-1988
Case No: 
Material: Stainless steel 
Dimensions: 40mm diameter; 17.7mm thickness
Crystal: Saphire
Lume: Yes, Superluminova
Caliber: Rolex self-winding caliber 3085
Bracelet/Strap: Rolex folded Jubilee
Lug Width: 21mm
Box/Papers: No, Watch will be shipped in a complimentary protective case.

THE CONDITION

The bracelet matches the condition of the watch, being in absolutely pristine condition with a tight bracelet and snappy adjustable clasp. There small blemishes on the sapphire crystal but very minimal, case front, case back are in good condition, the bracelet is in excellent condition.