The Rolex GMT MASTER made its debut in 1955, developed specifically for Pan Am pilots to keep track of two time zones. The watch included an extra hour hand (which would make one full rotation every 24 hours) on the dial and a rotating 24-hour bezel. Therefore, to display a second-time zone, the pilot simply had to rotate the bezel to align the appropriate numeral with the 24-hour hand. Various versions were produced by Rolex but in 1988 Rolex introduced the GMT-Master ref. 16700 with a handful of developments such as sapphire crystal, a dial with applied white gold indexes, and a new movement. The ref. 16700 was in production for a decade until it was discontinued in 1999. And its discontinuation marked the end of the GMT-Master era and paved the way for the GMT-Master II to become Rolex’s flagship pilot’s watch.
This fine example is notable by the distinctive light fading (sometimes called ghosting) of the red part of the bezel which gives a vintage and very authentic look. The reference 78360 bracelet matches the watch dating to 1995. A very clean watch with original box and booklets, service details for 2018. Perfect birthday watch!
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