1985 Rolex GMT Master 16750 Spider Dial w/ Box & Papers - SOLD
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Like so many of Rolex's iconic models, the GMT Master was born out of necessity. In the early 1950s, Rolex collaborated with Pan-Am to develop a watch for commercial air pilots. With advancements in technology and longer flight times, pilots needed to be able to track changes in time zones along their routes. While modern pilots have other instrumentation to track time changes, the GMT Master has cemented itself as an immensely popular classic and is one of the most iconic watches of all time.
The reference 16750 we have here improved on the original GMT Master by adding a quickset date feature while retaining the vintage charm with an acrylic crystal and the classic Pepsi bicolor bezel insert. This example, with original papers dated Christmas Eve 1985, is one of the first gloss dial GMT Masters produced, and the dial has a gorgeous subtle spider effect.
The general consensus on the origin of spider dials comes from the initial change by Rolex to a newer dial design using gloss lacquer and white gold surrounds on the hour markers. For the first few years of gloss dial production, the lacquer blend was susceptible to cracking or "spidering" due to the different expansion/contraction properties of the lacquer and the dial plate during temperature changes.
The dial on this GMT has one of the best spider dials we've ever seen. The paint is still extremely glossy, and the spider effect is very light and only visible in certain light. It's also not completely covering the dial and there are fewer cracks than many other dials with the same effect.
This GMT is completely original save a freshly installed NOS Rolex crystal and comes on its original Jubilee bracelet which was a dealer option when the watch was new. The original inner and outer boxes along with the original punched cert and booklets are all included, making this unique piece just all that much more special.
Take a look at the photos and the condition rundown below.
Case: 40mm stainless steel case in excellent vintage condition. The case has been previously polished but still has thick, even lugs and sharp edges. There are no significant dings, dents, or scratches in the case.
Bezel: Original bidirectional Pepsi bezel in very good condition as pictured. The red portion has faded to a light color, and the insert shows surface scratches and nicks.
Dial/Hands: Original tritium gloss "spider" dial in outstanding condition as pictured. The hour markers have a light patina matched by the original tritium hands.
Caseback: Excellent condition original caseback with only minor wear.
Crystal: Newly installed NOS Rolex acrylic crystal.
Movement: Caliber 3175 Rolex Automatic GMT movement keeping excellent time within COSC specifications. All functions work as they should.
Bracelet/Strap: Original dealer option jubilee bracelet in good condition as pictured. The bracelet shows moderate stretch but is very wearable and will fit up to approximately a 7.5" wrist.
Accessories: The original inner and outer boxes along with the original chronometer/warranty papers, GMT and Oyster booklets, and card holder with translation booklet and 1985/86 calendar card are all included as pictured.
The reference 16750 we have here improved on the original GMT Master by adding a quickset date feature while retaining the vintage charm with an acrylic crystal and the classic Pepsi bicolor bezel insert. This example, with original papers dated Christmas Eve 1985, is one of the first gloss dial GMT Masters produced, and the dial has a gorgeous subtle spider effect.
The general consensus on the origin of spider dials comes from the initial change by Rolex to a newer dial design using gloss lacquer and white gold surrounds on the hour markers. For the first few years of gloss dial production, the lacquer blend was susceptible to cracking or "spidering" due to the different expansion/contraction properties of the lacquer and the dial plate during temperature changes.
The dial on this GMT has one of the best spider dials we've ever seen. The paint is still extremely glossy, and the spider effect is very light and only visible in certain light. It's also not completely covering the dial and there are fewer cracks than many other dials with the same effect.
This GMT is completely original save a freshly installed NOS Rolex crystal and comes on its original Jubilee bracelet which was a dealer option when the watch was new. The original inner and outer boxes along with the original punched cert and booklets are all included, making this unique piece just all that much more special.
Take a look at the photos and the condition rundown below.
Case: 40mm stainless steel case in excellent vintage condition. The case has been previously polished but still has thick, even lugs and sharp edges. There are no significant dings, dents, or scratches in the case.
Bezel: Original bidirectional Pepsi bezel in very good condition as pictured. The red portion has faded to a light color, and the insert shows surface scratches and nicks.
Dial/Hands: Original tritium gloss "spider" dial in outstanding condition as pictured. The hour markers have a light patina matched by the original tritium hands.
Caseback: Excellent condition original caseback with only minor wear.
Crystal: Newly installed NOS Rolex acrylic crystal.
Movement: Caliber 3175 Rolex Automatic GMT movement keeping excellent time within COSC specifications. All functions work as they should.
Bracelet/Strap: Original dealer option jubilee bracelet in good condition as pictured. The bracelet shows moderate stretch but is very wearable and will fit up to approximately a 7.5" wrist.
Accessories: The original inner and outer boxes along with the original chronometer/warranty papers, GMT and Oyster booklets, and card holder with translation booklet and 1985/86 calendar card are all included as pictured.
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