Gmt-Master Ref. 16750 First Gen.

ROLEX, OYSTER PERPETUAL, GMT-MASTER « Pepsi », REF. 16750 MATTE DIAL « Pallettoni », full-set, first owner

ICONEEK price: SOLD

Iconeek is very proud to introduce here a very nice and attractive Gmt-Master by Rolex, a Reference 16750. In production for only 8 years from 1980 to 1988, reference 16750 is a rare bird, compared to its ancestor ref. 1675, which has a long production run during 21 years. The iconic Rolex GMT Master was originally developed as a collaborative project between Rolex and Pan Am Airways. The Rolex GMT was designed as an aviator watch: The newly introduced fourth hand allowed the display of an additional time, with the corresponding number markings on the outer bezel. Pilots used the second time to display the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which led to the name Rolex GMT Master. The present reference 16750 has a very rare transitional configuration with the flat dial and the quickset date, while later 16750 had the metal applied hour markers.

During its eight years of production, the Rolex GMT-Master ref. 16750 had two distinct dial variations within its steel case: the first generation had matte black dials with painted luminous hour markers without white gold surrounds, such as the present one, while the later ones had glossy black dials with indexes that included the white gold surrounds. Also called « Pallettoni » by collectors, vintage GMT-Masters ref. 16750 with the matte dials are actually quite difficult to find for two main reasons: the first reason because the earlier matt « Pallettoni » dials made in smaller numbers than the later gloss dials, second reason because they were often replaced with glossy ones during servicing. So naturally, the matte dials lacking the white gold surrounds are rarer and more coveted among the two versions.

The model has a three-body construction: a water-resistant tonneau-shaped polished and brushed stainless steel case with downturned lugs, crown guard with Oyster crown, a snap on steel bezel with red and blue insert, a screwed case back. The case back is engraved inside « 16750 ».  The reference and serial numbers are perfectly engraved between the lugs. The original insert has a beautiful vivid Pepsi color. Under the plexiglas crystal with magnifying loop, we find a mint matte black dial with “pallettoni” tritium hour markers, while later examples feature instead the gold-rimmed “Bicchierini” hour markers. The dial also comes with beveled date aperture at 3, sweep center second lollipop hand,  red color GMT hand indicating the second time zone with triangular luminous tip. Under the screwed case back, we find a Rolex Caliber 3075, mechanical, automatic, rhodium-plated, 27 jewels, hack mechanism, straight line lever escapement, shock-absorbers, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, monometallic balance with Microstella screws. The upgrade from Ref. 1675 to Ref. 16750 featured 3 main improvements, an all-new automatic calibre 3075 movement, with a higher frequency, a quickset date feature and an increased of water-resistance depth rating from 50 to 100 meters.

The presence of its original guarantee dated December 12th, 1982 – correctly bearing code B606 for Bucherer Zurich , the original fitted green presentation box with outer packaging, and the original invoice Bucherer Zurich dated from the same day further amplifies the appeal of this remarkable and collectible timepiece. The present watch also comes with its original Oyster bracelet, Ref. 78360, with full length 200m and a service clasp engraved S11 (for 1994). Dial, case and movement are signed

When found in original condition and with the original paperwork, the present specimen can be considered without a doubt as a very desirable and collectible transitional Gmt-Master !!

Condition: 8.5/10, in extremely good overall condition, full-set, first owner, with later original service hands and clasp