An Overview of All Iconic Rolex GMT-Master References
- The Luxury Hut Writer
- Aug 16, 2019
- 5 min read
Rolex is universally recognised and admired for designing and developing watches, especially for adventurers and athletes. From Rolex Daytona, Submariner to the Datejust and Day-Date, there are many coveted Rolex watches out there. However, if you are asked to name a Rolex timepiece that combines practicality and looks, the Rolex GMT-Master will top the list. Although the watch served as a tool timepiece for Pan AM commercial airways, the GMT-Master is today one of the most sought-after sports timepieces.
Whether you are looking to ‘sell my Rolex GMT-Master’ or 'sell my Rolex' watch of some other collection, let’s today take a look at the evolution of all iconic and major Rolex GMT-Master references that are desirable not only to collect but also to own.
Reference 6542: The First Rolex GMT-Master
The story began in the 1950s when Pan Am Airways requested Rolex to devise a watch that would be able to display a second-time zone. In collaboration with them, Rolex introduced the GMT-Master Reference 6542 in 1955. And, the significant feature of the timepiece was that it enabled the wearer to see two distinct time zones simultaneously.
The GMT-Master ref 6542 flaunted an Oyster case of 38mm, making it water-resistant up to 50m. However, this stainless steel watch featured a housed dial, housing a pair of luminescent centre hour and minute hands, a seconds-hand with a glowing dot and an additional 24-hour red hand with a big luminous triangular tip.
The most distinguishing feature of the watch was the bi-colour rotating bezel marked with 24hours. While the bezel and the extra 24-hour hand enabled the pilots to read a second-time zone, the red and blue bezel combination helped to differentiate between night and daylight hours. This iconic bezel has earned the ‘Pepsi’ nickname over the years. However, it is significant to note that:
Early editions of the Rolex GMT-Master reference 6542 flaunted Bakelite bezels with radium luminous bezels. But, the brand replaced the Bakelite bezel with an aluminium bezel in 1956 because Bakelite gets cracked easily.
Rolex continued to produce the reference 6542 until 1959, and throughout the production run, Rolex used three different movements for this model, such as Calibre 1036, Calibre 1065 and Calibre 1066.
Reference 1675: The Next-Gen Rolex GMT-Master
Launched in 1959, the Rolex GMT-Master reference 1675 watch is ideally one of the most famous vintage Rolex GMT-Master timepieces. However, Rolex made many changes to the model. The broader 40mm Oyster case along with the crown guards surrounding the winding crown offered a more robust appearance to the watch than its predecessor.
The GMT-Master reference 1675 was in production till 1980. While the watch was equipped with the calibre 1565 that operated at 18,800bph, the text on the dial was also replaced with today's familiar ‘Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified’.
However, the brand started equipping the GMT-Master with the Calibre 1575, operating at a frequency of 19,600bph. Till the late 1960s, the additional hour-hand sported a small triangle and later, was superseded by a red hand with a bigger triangle during the 1970s.
A more interesting fact is that it was the first sports Rolex timepiece that was available on Jubilee as well as Oyster bracelet. However, several versions of this model were released including the one with a bronze bezel, nicknamed as the Rolex GMT-Master ‘Root Beer’.
Rolex GMT-Master Reference 16750
After the long production run of the Rolex GMT-Master ref. 1675, Rolex introduced the GMT-Master reference 16750 in 1981. The watch featured a new movement and glossy dials. Although the size of the Oyster case remained the same, the water-resistant ability increased to 100m. However, the most significant update Rolex made to this reference was the new automatic movement, featuring a quick-set date. The new Calibre 3075 movement had a higher frequency rate of 28,800bph. It enabled the wearer to adjust the date independently without having to turn the centre hands continuously.
Now, how can you spot the difference between the GMT-Master ref 1675 and ref 16750?
Simply, look at the order of hand on their respective dials. In the older version, the order is – GMT hand, hour-hand, followed by minute-hand and seconds-hand. On the contrary, the order of the new references is - Hour hand, GMT-hand, Minute-hand and seconds-hand.
However, the Rolex GMT-Master reference 16750 had a virtually short production run until 1988, thereby paving the way for a new version. Rolex replaced the reference 16750 with the new GMT-Master ref 16700 that was powered by the calibre 3175.
The Latest Releases: Rolex GMT-Master II 116710 & 126710
Rolex upgraded the GMT-Master II in 2005, adding a more prominent Triplock winding crown and other technical components. The new model underwent many aesthetic changes. The larger case, larger hands along with hour-markers, offered a new, fresh look to the watch.
Other changes include a new bezel made of a robust and patented ceramic material and also, the proprietary Parachrom hairspring. Moreover, Rolex also changed the bracelet style, integrating an entirely re-devised clasp and solid centre links.
In 2007, the manufacturer launched a stainless steel version of Rolex GMT-Master II in the reference 116710. The new reference sported many new features, including a green 24-hour hand, anti-reflective Cyclops lens, ceramic bezel, maxi dial and an all-new bracelet. However, the watch houses the Calibre 3186 movement with a new Parachrom Bleu hairspring.
The Rolex GMT-Master reference 116710 is water-resistant up to 100m and nearly ten times more resistant to shocks. In 2014, Rolex introduced the GMT-Master II in a new style with a blue and red ‘Pepsi’ bezel. The new Pepsi Rolex reference 116719BLRO is made up of white gold and powered by the Calibre 3186 movement.
In 2018, Rolex finally released the famous ‘Pepsi’ model in stainless steel. The watch flaunted the most popular red and blue bezel, a little bit different case profile, Jubilee bracelet and a new Calibre 3285 movement. The new movement offers a power reserve up to 70hours and maximum -2/+2 average deviation along with a five-year warranty.
Rolex also introduced the new GMT-Master II ‘Batman’ reference 126710 BLNR, featuring a black and blue bezel and a 24-hour blue hand. However, the introduction of this latest reference marked the end of all-black bezel inserts and Oyster bracelets.
Overall, the Rolex GMT-Master was initially created for the use of commercial pilots. The sports watch is a perfect combination of aesthetics and functionality that has appealed to a vast number of audiences. To put in, the versatility of the GMT-Master makes it one of the most popular and coveted watches among collectors across the world.
For those who are looking to ‘sell Rolex GMT-Master 2 in London’, or sell Rolex watches of any collection, get in touch with a professional watch buyer who understands the real value of the watches produced by elite brands like Rolex. With experienced and trustworthy watch buyers like at The Luxury Hut, you can rest assured that you will obtain the most competitive price of your Rolex watch, be it is a vintage GMT-Master, a contemporary GMT-Master II or any other Rolex models.
Begin the process by filling up the online form and receive an initial price quote at no cost to you.
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