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A Rare Vintage Rolex Gold Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master Watch with ‘Nipple Dial’ - Ref. 16758 - c. 1982.

Originally created for Pan Am Airways, the Rolex GMT-Master was once issued as a topol for the brand’s long-haul flight crews. The key feature of the watch was that it allowed the wearer to simultaneously reference two different time zones (the GMT name being derived from Greenwich Mean Time - also known as Coordinated Universal Time, the time zone required for all aviation planning, weather forecasts and schedules.) 

This extra rare 18k all gold (a.k.a ‘Root Beer’) Rolex GMT-Master (c. 1982, model reference number 16758) was specially made for the South American market. This model reference usually has a Rolex Oyster or Jubilee bracelet, however this piece was originally supplied for the South American market specifically on a ‘President’ bracelet with concealed clasp which only normally comes on the "President Day Date". The end pieces of this bracelet were made to fit the GMT Sport model , and therefore cannot be fitted to other Rolex timepieces from what our research tells us! The second reason this is a rare piece is that it is a 'Nipple Dial' although you will see more of these around but not so many with the President bracelet combination. 

The highly sought after Rolex President bracelet was first introduced by the brand in 1956 on the inaugural Day-Date watch and features instantly recognisable semi-circular three-piece links. Rolex only ever produces the President bracelet in precious metals, never in steel, and they are mostly fastened with a concealed folding Crownclasp that allows the beautifully curvy bracelet links to wrap around the wrist without interruption from the bulkier folding clasp fastening.  

This example, rather than having white or yellow gold five minute markers with luminous fill features the coveted pointed indexes with yellow-gold surrounds often referred to as a ‘nipple dial.’ The watch also has a date window at 3 o’clock.

The piece has a chocolate brown bi-directional rotating bezel and originally had a matching rich chocolate brown dial which has, over the years, acquired a stunning glistening tropical (purple and golden) patina, creating a beautiful and unusual starburst effect that greatly adds to the character of the watch, rendering it truly unique. Unfortunately no photos can do this dial justice, trust us when we say it looks stunning in the sunlight as it flashes and glistens! Send us a message and we can send you some short video clips which will hopefully give you a better idea!

With a case made from solid 18k-gold, the GMT-Master is a luxury timepiece that can be worn by both men and women - in fact, Honor Blackman wore a GMT model as Pussy Galore in the 1964 Bond Film, Goldfinger.

What’s on offer:

This piece is sold a period correct genuine Rolex box and we will also supply a Vintage Watch Specialist leather pouch, as per our photos.  

The watch is in stunning condition with no notable scratches or marks apart from some small tarnishing marks which can easily be removed at your request but we chose to leave them to show how honest an example this is and that this is how it was found by us when we bought it in Mexico! The watch will come serviced, regulated and pressure tested by our watchmaker when we will also give it a 12 months guarantee.

Additional information

Made from

Case: 18k Gold. 

Crown: Original Rolex twin lock

Dial: Original Rolex 'Nipple' See listing.  

Crystal: Sapphire Crystal. 

Bracelet: 18k Gold ‘President’ bracelet (MJ15) 18k gold. 

Technical specifications

Winding: Manually or Automatic. 

Movement type: Automatic.

Calibre: Rolex self-winding calibre 3075. 

Jewels: 27.

Waterproof: Yes. 

Power reserve:

Purchase details

Condition: Superb overall vintage condition.

Model Reference Number: 16758.

Date of issue: 1982.

Guarantee

Supplied with a 12-month Vintage Watch Specialist guarantee. 

Dimensions

Width: 40mm.

Lug width: 20mm.

Lug height (lug to lug): 48mm