1984 Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 16750) "Spider Dial"

The Rolex GMT is the jet-setting icon of the Rolex sports watch family. The history of this sophisticated, versatile style dates back to 1954 when Rolex received a request from Pan Am to create a technical pilots watch that could indicate two time zones simultaneously.   As advances in aviation made transcontinental flights commercially available Pan Am needed a watch that could be issued to their crews on the long-haul international flights.

GMT stands for Greenwich Mean Time - the time zone which regulates world clocks and is required for all aviation planning and schedules. The Rolex GMT Master has a fourth 24-hour hand that directly displays the same time zone as the standard 12-hour hand but on a 24-hour scale. The addition of this GMT hand enabled crews to set the watch to GMT or another time zone, and, using the rotating 24-hour scale bezel, correct the offset to display a second time zone on the 24-hour scale.

This feature is just as useful today, allowing the modern traveler to easily keep track of his home time zone, no matter how far he may have journeyed.

The Rolex Ref. 16750 was first introduced in 1979 and was in production until 1988. The main difference between the Rolex GMT ref Ref. 1675 and the 16750 was the introduction of the Cal. 3075 movement which allowed for instantaneous date advancement also known as "quick set"

This specific 1984 Rolex GMT Master Ref. 16750 retains its original dial and hands as well as its original bezel insert. The tritium lume has achieved a nice ivory patina with the dial acquiring a lovely spidering effect on the lacquering of the dial. This example would make a great daily driver for the man always on the go and would make a great addition to an existing collection as the Ref. 16750 is not only classic it is extremely functional and handsome while on the wrist!