Why This Watch Matters One look at the beautifully aged lume on this transitional Rolex GMT-Master is all it takes to deserve a spot in your collection. The Full Story Rolex originally introduced the GMT-Master ref. 6542 in 1954 to provide airline pilots with a watch that could display two time zones at once. The original ref. 6542 featured a bi-color bezel so its wearer could distinguish between day and night in their chosen time zone at a glance. Rolex replaced the original ref. 6542 in 1959 with the ref. 1675, and in 1980, the brand released the reference 16750. The Rolex GMT-Master ref. 16750 is considered a transitional reference for the model. Some of the early examples retained the matte dials of the predecessor ref. 1675, but featured a new upgraded movement with a quick-set date. Other later ref. 16750 examples featured white gold borders circling the lume plots, a modern characteristic that continues today. Rolex produced the ref. 16750 until about 1988, a short period of eight years compared to the 21-year tenure of the ref. 1675. Rolex also changed the order of the hands on this model, which can be an easy way to quickly distinguish a matte 1675 from a matte dial 16750. The 1675 stacks the hands in the following order: GMT, hour, minute, second; while on the 16750, the GMT hand is above the hour hand, but below the minute hand. The example we have here is from 1982 and is in overall beautiful condition. The lume on the dial and hands have aged evenly to a stunning, almost-custard tone. We love it when lume looks this good. These transitional GMT-Masters with matte dials tend to be sought-out by collectors, especially examples that have aged nicely like this one. These matte 16750 models offer a relatively good value compared to the models that come before, while also offering a quick-set date which makes setting the watch a pleasure. The Fine Print Maker: Rolex Model: GMT-MasterReference: 16750Year: 1982Case No: 7199266Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 39mm diameter; 12mm thickness Crystal: Plexiglass Lume: Yes, tritium Caliber: Automatic movement ref. 3075Bracelet/Strap: Rolex stainless steel Oyster 78360 bracelet with no. 580 end-linksLug Width: 20mmBox/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know This GMT is in overall great, attractive condition. The case is very strong with scratches; it is possibly unpolished. The nine o'clock side of the case has a couple of nicks. The bevels on the edges of the lugs are visible as well as the feet on the bottom edge of the lugs. The dial is in great condition with light patina. The hands are in great condition and have developed some patina, the seconds hand with a bit more than the others. The lume on the hands and dial has developed patina and is matching in color. The bezel insert is in overall good condition with some light scratches and marks in the red portion. The bezel insert is a service replacement with a blue back. The bracelet is in good condition with some stretch and some scratches. The clasp is engraved with "I6," indicating it is from 1984, which makes sense with the 1982 production of the case. The crystal has some scratches.
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