Rolex's famous pilot’s watch, the GMT Master, was first produced in 1953 as a way of helping Pan Am pilots keep track of two time zones at the same time while they soared to ever more distant destinations around the world.

The GMT Master range is still a stand-out piece for the brand, who maximized on its success with the introduction of the GMT Master II series in 1983 (production of this particular reference 16760 ended in 1988 - a short run that resulted in low numbers being produced, making the model highly sought after by collectors of the brand).

It’s a rare reference from the series II that’s on offer here, dating to 1984 baring model reference number 16760.

Nicknamed ‘The Fat Lady’ and also known as the ‘Sophia Loren’ model (in tribute to the iconic actress’ stunning and ample curves) the watch has an extra-thick case in comparison to its predecessor and is also the first GMT model with white gold indices surrounds along with sapphire crystal glass. This was a transitional reference with these updates and the thicker case to accommodate a newer calibre of movement which started off thicker and was then later reduced in thickness so it could be accommodated in the original sized GMT cases, thus it only being a short run reference whilst further development continued.

Apparently the cases for this particular reference were adapted from the thicker Sea-Dweller 4000 cases already in use at that time? That is probably why this reference was only available in a steel option and it was only offered with the red/black bezel, which was also a new combination.

Lets not forget this reference also has extra large crown guards to keep it in proportion with everything else.

As we said above, this GMT Master II was only offered with a black and red bezel, which again was larger than its predecessors, a new combination that was referred to as the ‘Coke’ version - perfectly complementing other drink inspired monikers ‘Pepsi’ (blue and red) and ‘Root Beer’ (brown and gold.)

Not only was the movement upgraded to a caliber 3085, the 24-hour hand of the GMT Master II became independently adjustable (the seconds hand stopping only when the crown was pulled out fully, allowing accurate time to be kept while setting the watch). This revolutionary new function offered accuracy without interruption for globetrotters, with the capacity for home time and local time to be read simultaneously on the face of the watch (a rotating bezel calculating a third time zone, if required).

The GMT Master II also features luminescent hands and indices with Tritium inserts for ease of reading, a Mark I Tritium dial and a screw down crown that renders it fully waterproof. There is also a date bubble, at 3 o’clock.

The watch is set on an original five piece link, stainless steel jubilee bracelet with folding clasp. The bracelet as is the watch is in excellent condition with little stretch.

What’s On Offer 

This piece is in excellent condition for its age, probably not polished as far as we can tell, with all edges and bevels correct.  The bracelet links are very slightly stretched, not affecting wear, and the watch has only micro marks that are barely visible to the eye.