Rolex GMT Master

Overview

This Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 16750 is a highly desirable steel “Pepsi” model, presented in great condition and accompanied by a complete set of original purchase materials. Purchased in 1986, it combines the practical appeal of a traditional dual-time-zone Rolex with the enduring visual character that has made the GMT-Master one of the most recognisable professional watches ever produced.

Measuring 40mm, the watch features a black dial, the signature red and blue 24-hour bezel and a robust Oyster bracelet. Its proportions remain exceptionally versatile: substantial enough to feel purposeful on the wrist, yet sufficiently restrained for everyday wear. Offered at £13,950, this Ref. 16750 represents an opportunity to acquire an important vintage Rolex sports watch with an unusually attractive full set for its age.

For collectors building a focused selection of Rolex watches, the Ref. 16750 occupies an especially appealing position. It retains the classic visual language of the earlier GMT-Master while introducing useful mechanical and practical developments that make it highly wearable today.

Brand and reference history

Rolex introduced the GMT-Master in the 1950s as a purpose-built watch for professional pilots and international travellers. Its fourth hand made it possible to read a second time zone against a 24-hour bezel, offering a simple and effective solution for people moving between continents. The model’s usefulness, robust construction and instantly recognisable bezel soon gave it a following far beyond aviation.

The GMT-Master Ref. 16750 followed the long-established Ref. 1675 and was produced during the early 1980s through to the late 1980s. It preserved the familiar 40mm Oyster case and two-colour bezel while bringing the automatic calibre 3075 and a quick-set date function to the range. This combination of vintage aesthetics and improved day-to-day convenience is central to the reference’s enduring appeal.

In the broader history of Rolex professional models, the 16750 is often regarded as a transitional reference. It belongs to the classic acrylic-crystal era, but its movement and usability anticipate later generations. That balance makes it particularly attractive to buyers who want the warmth and character of a vintage sports Rolex without sacrificing the convenience expected from a modern mechanical watch.

Dial, hands and design detail

The black dial provides a clear, high-contrast backdrop for the luminous hour markers and hands. Its restrained layout keeps the watch immediately legible, while the additional 24-hour hand introduces the functional information that defines the GMT-Master. Against the dark dial, the red GMT hand adds a carefully judged flash of colour without disturbing the watch’s otherwise purposeful character.

The red-and-blue “Pepsi” bezel is one of the most influential designs in watchmaking. Its two colours divide the 24-hour scale between day and night, allowing the wearer to distinguish the second time zone at a glance. On a vintage Ref. 16750, the acrylic crystal and period styling give the bezel and dial a softer, more organic presence than the harder, more contemporary appearance of later ceramic models.

Every element has a practical reason for being there. The Mercedes-style hour hand, baton minute hand and contrasting GMT hand are clearly differentiated, while the date display adds useful everyday functionality. The result is a dial that is familiar, balanced and highly legible, with enough visual detail to reward closer inspection.

Case, bracelet and wearability

The 40mm stainless-steel case is one of the reasons the Ref. 16750 remains so wearable. Its diameter offers confident wrist presence without appearing oversized, and the traditional Oyster case design gives it a strong sense of proportion. The screw-down crown and case back are integral to the watch’s robust, travel-oriented character, although water resistance should always be considered in relation to the watch’s age and current servicing history.

The Oyster bracelet is a natural match for the case, combining broad outer links with a practical, durable construction. It gives the watch a secure feel and allows the head of the watch to sit comfortably and naturally on the wrist. The bracelet also reinforces the GMT-Master’s ability to move between casual, business and travel settings without looking out of place.

Although this is a vintage watch, its design is remarkably adaptable. The black dial and steel construction are understated enough for regular use, while the Pepsi bezel supplies the colour and identity expected from a classic GMT. The bracelet completes the package with a cohesive period appearance and the practical robustness associated with Rolex professional models.

Movement and technical specification

Inside the Ref. 16750 is Rolex calibre 3075, an automatic mechanical movement with a quick-set date function. The calibre was an important development within the GMT-Master family, offering the wearer a more convenient way to adjust the date than on earlier references. Its second-time-zone display remains intuitive: the independently readable 24-hour hand is interpreted against the graduated bezel.

As with any vintage mechanical watch, performance depends on the individual condition of the movement, its lubrication and its service history. No unverified accuracy or power-reserve figures should be assumed without a current test. The key appeal of this example is the combination of the established GMT-Master architecture, the useful calibre 3075 and the character that comes with a watch purchased in 1986.

• Brand: Rolex
• Model: GMT-Master
• Reference: 16750
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Case diameter: 40mm
• Dial: Black
• Bezel: Red and blue 24-hour “Pepsi” bezel
• Bracelet: Rolex Oyster bracelet
• Movement: Automatic mechanical Rolex calibre 3075
• Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date and second time zone
• Purchase year: 1986
• Set: Full set, with everything included

Sizing and how it wears

At 40mm, the Ref. 16750 sits within the dimensions many enthusiasts regard as the ideal size for a classic sports watch. It has enough presence to make the bezel and GMT hand immediately readable, but its relatively restrained thickness and traditional case shape prevent it from feeling cumbersome. The Oyster bracelet helps distribute the weight evenly across the wrist.

The watch is suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes, with the final fit determined by the bracelet’s available adjustment and the wearer’s preferred amount of freedom. On a smaller wrist, the compact lug-to-lug character of the vintage case can make the watch feel more balanced than its diameter might suggest. On a larger wrist, the strong bezel and black dial provide the visual presence needed to keep the watch from appearing lost.

In practical terms, this is a watch that can be worn throughout the day. The date is useful, the GMT function is genuinely functional and the steel bracelet is appropriate for travel and everyday activities. As an older Rolex, however, it should be treated with the consideration appropriate to a vintage mechanical instrument, particularly around moisture and impact.

Collectability and market value

The Ref. 16750 has become increasingly appreciated for its place between the earlier Ref. 1675 and the later sapphire-crystal GMT-Master II generation. Collectors value its period-correct appearance, 40mm case, acrylic crystal and Pepsi bezel, while many owners appreciate the practical improvement represented by the quick-set date. It is a reference with a strong identity rather than simply an older version of a current model.

Full-set examples are particularly compelling because the accompanying materials add context and completeness to the ownership story. A watch purchased in 1986 and retained with everything included is less frequently encountered than a watch offered alone. The set does not replace the importance of the watch’s condition and originality, but it can make a meaningful difference to desirability for collectors who value completeness.

The wider appeal of vintage gmt & travel watches continues to be driven by their combination of usefulness and distinctive design. This Rolex benefits from both qualities, while its 16750 reference gives it a specific historical position. Priced at £13,950, it should be considered in the context of condition, set completeness, originality and the continuing demand for classic Rolex professional models.

Authenticity, condition and servicing

This example is described as being in great condition and is supplied as a full set. Its 1986 purchase date gives it a clear period context, and the presentation is a notable part of its appeal. As with all pre-owned vintage watches, condition is best assessed across the case, bezel, crystal, dial, hands, bracelet and movement rather than by age alone.

Vintage Rolex watches can show natural signs of use, and those details may form part of their character. Buyers should pay close attention to the shape of the lugs, the definition of the case edges, the condition of the bracelet and the relationship between the dial, hands and bezel. Any servicing should be approached thoughtfully, with preservation of appropriate period features balanced against the need for dependable operation.

We recommend that the watch is assessed and tested before demanding use, especially if the service history is not fully documented. Water resistance should not be presumed simply because the case was originally designed for it. A pressure test, movement inspection and timing check are sensible precautions for any vintage watch intended for regular wear or travel.

Authenticity is considered as part of our pre-owned watch assessment, with the reference, visible components and supplied set reviewed carefully. We do not invent or imply provenance beyond the information available. The stated purchase year is 1986, and the watch is offered with everything included as described.

Buying this watch from us

Buying a vintage Rolex is about more than selecting a model and reference. It is about finding the right combination of condition, completeness, design and long-term wearability. This Ref. 16750 offers all the defining elements of the classic GMT-Master: a 40mm steel case, black dial, red-and-blue bezel, Oyster bracelet and a practical second-time-zone display.

It also brings the reassurance and interest of a full set purchased in 1986. That combination makes it suitable for an established collector seeking a significant vintage sports Rolex, as well as for a buyer looking for a first serious GMT watch with genuine historical character. The £13,950 asking price reflects the appeal of the reference, its presentation and the completeness of the package.

For comparison with a later evolution of the design, our Rolex GMT Master II selection demonstrates how the original travel-watch concept developed over subsequent generations. The Ref. 16750 remains distinct, however, thanks to its acrylic crystal, classic bezel colours and transitional place within the Rolex GMT-Master story.

If you would like further information about this watch, its condition or the items included in the full set, please contact us before purchase. We are happy to discuss the watch in detail and help you decide whether this particular vintage GMT-Master suits your collection and intended use.

Frequently asked questions

What is the reference of this Rolex GMT-Master?

This watch is a Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 16750, a classic transitional reference produced during the 1980s.

What size is the case?

The stainless-steel case measures 40mm in diameter, a versatile size that provides strong wrist presence while retaining traditional proportions.

What does “Pepsi” mean?

“Pepsi” refers to the red-and-blue 24-hour bezel. The colours distinguish day and night across the 24-hour scale and have become a defining feature of Rolex GMT watches.

Does the watch have a quick-set date?

Yes. The Ref. 16750 is powered by Rolex calibre 3075, which introduced a quick-set date function to this generation of the GMT-Master.

When was this watch purchased?

The watch was purchased in 1986 and is supplied as a full set with everything included.

Is this watch suitable for everyday wear?

Its 40mm case, automatic movement, practical GMT function and Oyster bracelet make it highly wearable. As a vintage watch, it should nevertheless be protected from unnecessary shocks and moisture, and its current service condition should be confirmed before demanding use.