What do Pan Am, Pussy Galore, Magnum PI, and Pepsi all have in common? Rolex’s brilliant traveler’s watch, the GMT-Master! If the Submariner embodies the spirit of adventure and purpose that all divers share, the GMT-Master distills the romance of travel and aviation into a watch – a timepiece designed for the jet set when world travel and the optimism of commercial flight had fully captured the imagination of the masses.
Designed in the mid-1950s specifically for use by Pan Am Airlines pilots whose hauls had them crossing multiple time zones, the GMT-Master, commonly seen with its unmistakable “Pepsi” red and blue 24 hr bezel insert, is as aesthetically striking as it is useful. For those constantly on-the-go or those that just prefer their classic Rolex sports watch with a bold pop of color, the GMT-Master has risen in popularity to become one of the most adored and sought after Rolex models ever made – with vintage references like the 1675 becoming one of the hottest buys in vintage Rolex today.
As we’ve seen with early Submariners and Explorers, the “neo-vintage” iteration of the GMT-Master model has found its place as the ideal piece for those that want the spirit and charm, but also like modern durability, functionality, and prefer a piece that can be daily worn without a second thought. This particular example of a ref. 16700 GMT-Master II was made around 1993 and is in great condition. The stainless steel case appears to be unpolished with little-to-no wear visible on the lugs. The dial is very clean as well, with no wear, and this watch comes complete with its “full set” of box and papers, adding to its collectability!