Rolex GMT Master

Overview

This Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 16750 is a highly desirable vintage travel watch, presented in steel with the instantly recognisable blue-and-red ‘Pepsi’ bezel. Purchased in 1986, this example combines the practical appeal of Rolex’s dual-time design with the character, proportions and period detail that make late vintage GMT-Master models so compelling to collectors.

The watch features a 40mm case, black dial and Oyster bracelet, creating a versatile configuration that works equally well as a daily luxury watch, a serious travel companion or a considered addition to a vintage Rolex collection. It is offered as a full set with everything included, an especially attractive proposition for a watch of this age. For buyers seeking established design, genuine period presence and lasting desirability, this Ref. 16750 deserves close attention.

As part of our selection of Rolex watches, it represents one of the brand’s most enduring professional models. The combination of steel construction, a black dial and the classic ‘Pepsi’ colour scheme gives the watch an unmistakable identity, while the 40mm format remains highly wearable on a broad range of wrists.

Brand and reference history

Rolex introduced the GMT-Master to meet the needs of international pilots and frequent travellers, developing a watch that could display local time and a second time zone at once. Its distinctive 24-hour bezel became the defining feature of the model, allowing the wearer to read a second time indication alongside the conventional hour and minute display. Over decades, this straightforward but highly effective concept has made the GMT-Master one of the most recognisable sports watches ever produced.

Reference 16750 belongs to an important generation in the model’s development. It followed the earlier Ref. 1675 while introducing technical updates associated with the evolution of the GMT-Master platform. The reference retained the familiar 40mm Oyster case and bidirectional 24-hour bezel, but its movement architecture and date-setting functionality brought useful modernisation without abandoning the vintage character collectors value today.

The 16750 is particularly interesting because it occupies a transitional position between earlier, strongly patinated GMT-Master examples and the more overtly modern references that followed. Depending on configuration and production period, collectors may encounter variations in dial, hands and bezel detail, making condition, originality and completeness important considerations when assessing an individual watch. This example’s 1986 purchase date and full-set presentation add meaningful context to its ownership history.

Dial, hands and design detail

The black dial provides a clean, highly legible foundation for the watch’s aviation-inspired display. Applied hour markers frame the dial, while the date aperture at three o’clock adds everyday practicality. The contrast between the dark dial, luminous hour markers and crisp white printing allows the time to be read quickly, whether the watch is worn in bright daylight or in lower-light conditions.

The central 24-hour hand is the key to the GMT-Master’s dual-time function. Used with the graduated bezel, it enables the wearer to track a second time zone without disturbing the main hour hand. This is an elegant example of purposeful design: every element has a job, yet the overall composition remains balanced and immediately recognisable.

The blue-and-red ‘Pepsi’ bezel is perhaps the most celebrated visual feature of the model. The two colours divide the 24-hour scale into day and night portions, offering a quick visual reference while giving the watch its unmistakable personality. On a vintage GMT-Master, the bezel also contributes significantly to the watch’s period character, and its colour combination remains central to the model’s enduring appeal.

Details such as the Mercedes-style hour hand, arrow-tipped GMT hand and date display reinforce the watch’s tool-watch origins. Together with the Oyster bracelet and steel case, they create a design that is sporty without being overbearing. It is a watch with a strong visual signature, but one that remains restrained enough to wear with business clothing, casual tailoring or weekend attire.

Case, bracelet and wearability

The 40mm Oyster case is one of the reasons the Ref. 16750 continues to wear so well. It offers a confident presence on the wrist without the excessive visual weight associated with many contemporary sports watches. The familiar round profile, protective crown guards and robust construction give the watch a purposeful appearance, while the steel finish allows it to remain versatile.

The Oyster bracelet completes the design. Its three-link construction is closely associated with Rolex’s professional models and provides a combination of strength, comfort and visual balance. The bracelet also means the watch can move naturally between everyday wear and more formal occasions, avoiding the need for a separate strap or styling approach.

For a watch purchased in 1986, condition and originality are naturally important. Vintage cases and bracelets can show evidence of use, and such marks may form part of the watch’s story. Equally, the quality of any previous work should be considered carefully, particularly around the case geometry, bezel, crown and bracelet. This example is described as being in great condition, making it especially appealing to buyers who want vintage character without compromising its overall presentation.

The Oyster case and screw-down crown were designed to support the practical demands of travel and professional use. As with any vintage watch, water resistance should not be assumed without appropriate testing, particularly following servicing or the passage of time. Nevertheless, the underlying design remains an excellent example of Rolex’s approach to durable, functional watchmaking.

Movement and technical specification

The Ref. 16750 is powered by an automatic Rolex GMT movement designed to combine conventional timekeeping with a second-time-zone display. Its architecture reflects the practical development of the GMT-Master line, giving the wearer a useful independent 24-hour indication alongside the standard hour and minute hands. The date function further enhances its suitability as a daily watch.

The movement is wound by the motion of the wrist, with the rotor helping maintain power during regular wear. Like all mechanical watches, its performance depends on factors including service history, condition, magnetism, positional variation and how consistently it is worn. A vintage movement should be assessed on its individual condition rather than judged solely by its reference or age.

• Brand: Rolex
• Model: GMT-Master
• Reference: 16750
• Category: GMT and travel watches
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Case diameter: 40mm
• Dial: Black
• Bezel: Blue and red 24-hour ‘Pepsi’ bezel
• Bracelet: Oyster bracelet
• Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date and second time zone
• Movement: Automatic mechanical GMT movement
• Purchase date: 1986
• Presentation: Full set with everything included

The technical appeal of this reference lies in its usability. It is not merely a watch with a second hand that points to another scale; it is a coherent travel instrument, developed around the needs of reading two time zones quickly. That practical purpose remains relevant today, even when the wearer’s travel is more likely to involve international business, frequent flying or keeping in touch with family and colleagues overseas.

Sizing and how it wears

At 40mm, this GMT-Master occupies a particularly versatile size category. It is large enough to display the dial, date and 24-hour bezel with clarity, but not so large that it overwhelms the wrist. The relatively restrained proportions of a vintage Rolex also help the watch sit comfortably beneath a shirt cuff, while the Oyster bracelet gives it enough visual substance for casual wear.

The watch should suit a wide range of wrist sizes, although the final fit will depend on bracelet adjustment and personal preference. A wearer accustomed to modern oversized sports watches may find the Ref. 16750 more compact and refined, while someone seeking a classic daily watch is likely to appreciate its balanced footprint and comparatively discreet height.

Its black dial and stainless-steel case make it straightforward to style. The ‘Pepsi’ bezel introduces colour, but the overall design remains sufficiently coherent for everyday use. The watch can be paired with denim and knitwear, travel clothing or a tailored jacket without appearing out of place. That flexibility is one of the reasons vintage GMT-Master models remain so popular beyond specialist collecting circles.

Collectability and market value

The Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 16750 is collectible because it combines a historically important model line with a configuration that remains instantly recognisable. The ‘Pepsi’ bezel is among the most sought-after expressions of the GMT-Master design, while the 40mm steel case and Oyster bracelet provide the classic professional-watch formula that has sustained demand for generations.

Collectors generally consider several factors when comparing examples: originality of the dial, hands and bezel; condition of the case and bracelet; mechanical health; service history; and the presence of original accessories and documentation. Completeness can have a particularly strong influence on desirability, and a full-set watch purchased in 1986 offers a level of continuity that is not commonly found in older examples.

Market value is also shaped by broader interest in vintage Rolex, the scarcity of well-preserved examples and the individual quality of each watch. No two pre-owned vintage pieces should be treated as identical simply because they share a reference number. A watch’s condition, presentation and supporting material all contribute to its position within the market.

Priced at £13,950, this example offers an opportunity to acquire a classic steel GMT-Master with the signature ‘Pepsi’ bezel, a black dial, Oyster bracelet and full-set presentation. Buyers researching the wider category may also wish to compare it with contemporary gmt & travel watches, while remembering that the Ref. 16750 has a distinct vintage identity that newer models cannot replicate.

Authenticity, condition and servicing

Authenticity is central to purchasing any valuable pre-owned Rolex, particularly a vintage model where individual components may have changed during the watch’s life. A proper assessment considers the case, reference markings, dial, hands, bezel, crown, bracelet, clasp and movement as a complete system. The aim is not simply to confirm the presence of a Rolex signature, but to establish that the watch is coherent, correctly represented and suitable for its intended use.

This example is presented in great condition and is described as a full set with everything included. Its stated purchase date of 1986 provides useful ownership context, while the complete presentation adds confidence for collectors who place importance on continuity and supporting accessories. As always with a vintage watch, natural signs of age should be understood as part of its history rather than automatically treated as a fault.

Mechanical watches benefit from appropriate professional care, and a vintage GMT-Master should be serviced when its performance, lubrication or sealing condition indicates that attention is needed. Service work may involve cleaning, lubrication, regulation and replacement of worn consumables, but originality should be considered carefully before any intervention. Cosmetic refinishing, for example, should preserve the correct lines and proportions of the case rather than unnecessarily altering its character.

Before relying on the watch around water, its seals and water resistance should be assessed by a qualified professional. Water resistance is not a permanent condition, especially on a watch of this age, and it can be affected by crown, gasket or case-back wear. Sensible care, periodic checks and appropriate servicing will help protect both the watch’s functionality and its long-term collectability.

Buying this watch from us

Buying a vintage Rolex is a considered decision, and our role is to present the watch clearly so that you can assess its design, condition, completeness and place within the wider market. This Ref. 16750 is offered with its key details established: it is a Rolex GMT-Master in stainless steel, features a 40mm case, black dial, blue-and-red ‘Pepsi’ bezel and Oyster bracelet, and was purchased in 1986.

The watch is supplied as a full set with everything included, an important distinction for collectors comparing otherwise similar vintage references. Its great condition and unmistakable configuration make it suitable for someone looking for a classic travel watch with genuine period appeal, as well as for an established Rolex enthusiast seeking a historically significant addition to a collection.

At £13,950, it occupies a compelling position for buyers who value the original GMT-Master design and the enduring appeal of a steel Rolex professional watch. It offers the visual language of the early travel-watch tradition while remaining practical enough for regular wear. The combination of black dial, ‘Pepsi’ bezel and Oyster bracelet is immediately legible as a GMT-Master, yet the vintage reference gives it a character that is separate from current-production alternatives.

If you are comparing generations, the modern Rolex GMT Master II represents the continued evolution of the same broad concept. The Ref. 16750, however, is chosen for its period proportions, classic mechanical architecture and the story carried by a watch purchased in 1986. Please contact us to discuss the watch, its full-set contents and suitability for your collection or regular wear.

Frequently asked questions

What is the reference of this Rolex GMT-Master?

This watch is a Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 16750, a vintage reference from the development of Rolex’s professional travel-watch range.

What does the ‘Pepsi’ bezel mean?

‘Pepsi’ is the collector’s term for the blue-and-red 24-hour bezel. The colours divide the scale into day and night portions and have become one of the most recognisable features of the GMT-Master.

What size is the case?

The watch has a 40mm stainless-steel case, a versatile size that offers clear legibility and wrist presence while retaining the balanced proportions associated with vintage Rolex sports watches.

Does the watch have a second-time-zone function?

Yes. The GMT-Master uses a dedicated 24-hour hand together with the graduated bezel to display a second time zone, while the main hands continue to show local time.

Is this Rolex GMT-Master supplied as a full set?

Yes. The watch is described as a full set with everything included. Its stated purchase date is 1986, adding useful historical context to the presentation.

What is the price of this watch?

This Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 16750 is priced at £13,950. For further information about the watch, its condition and included accessories, please contact us directly.