Rolex

*Unpolished* 1981 Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 16758) 18K YG

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The Rolex GMT-Master, a symbol of sophistication and versatility, has a storied history that dates back to 1954. It all started when Rolex received a request from Pan American Airways (Pan Am) to develop a technical pilot's watch capable of displaying two time zones simultaneously. With the advent of commercial transcontinental flights, Pan Am needed a watch for their long-haul international flight crews that would enable them to keep track of time in multiple locations.

GMT, which stands for Greenwich Mean Time, is the universal time standard that regulates the world's clocks and serves as the basis for aviation planning and schedules. The Rolex GMT-Master is equipped with a fourth 24-hour hand that displays the same time zone as the standard 12-hour hand but on a 24-hour scale. This GMT hand allows wearers to set the watch to GMT or any other time zone and then adjust the offset using the rotating 24-hour bezel to display a second timezone. This remarkable feature makes the Rolex GMT-Master a must-have for anyone who frequently travels across multiple time zones, allowing them to easily and precisely track two time zones.

The Rolex ref. 16758, a highly transitional timepiece, was first introduced in 1980, shortly after the release of its stainless steel sibling the ref. 16750. This 18K yellow gold GMT-Master model was in production until 1988 and combined the latest technological advancements with classic design elements.

Both the 16758 and 16750 featured the improved Cal. 3075 quick-set date movement, but the 16758 took it a step further with the addition of a sapphire crystal and a bidirectional click-spring bezel, which would not be seen on the stainless steel GMT-Master until the GMT-Master II ref. 16760.The ref. 16758 GMT-Master represents the perfect balance of modernity and tradition. Its advanced features increase its ease of use but it also retains the classic style of the much-admired nipple dial configuration of its predecessor.

This GMT-Master ref. 16758 is a bold and unique gem that would make a proud addition to any discerning collector's collection. Its blend of technological advancements and vintage design make it truly one of a kind.

Stock #   RLX16758GMT-5
Brand   Rolex
Style   GMT-Master
Model   16758
Serial   65XXXXX
Size   Men's
Material   18K Yellow Gold
Dial   Brown "Nipple"
Millimeters   40
Bracelet   Rolex 8386 18K YG 'Hidden-Clasp' Jubilee Bracelet

 

CASE & BRACELET

The 18K yellow gold case is in incredibly robust and crisp condition, exhibiting no signs of being previously polished with extremely defined chamfers and factory finishing throughout. The case exhibits some signs of previous gentle wear and there is a rosy oxidation forming around the crown guards, which is expected for unpolished cases of this age. The brown and gold bezel insert is in perfect condition, showing no fading or signs of use. The 18K yellow gold Rolex 8386 hidden-clasp 'Super Jubilee' bracelet is era-correct and believed to be original to the watch and dates to 1983. The bracelet retains 24 links that show light stretch and will fit up to a 7 3/4-inch wrist.

DIAL & HANDS

The sunburst brown dial with gold nipple markers is original to the watch and exhibits some honest wear and age that results in spots of firey orange patina and light markings throughout, though only the unique patina is visible to the naked eye. The tritium lume filler markers mostly feature a medium beige patina though some plots feature spots of darker brown and grey, under UV light inspection all the lume plots remain intact though nominal degradation is present throughout. The original tritium yellow gold hands have aged to a lighter creamy patina and exhibit no degradation under UV light inspection. The metallic gold date wheel is original with "open" 6's and 9's.

ACCESSORIES 

None. The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.