Rolex

When the GMT-Master was first unveiled by Rolex in 1954 with the Reference 6542, it solved a complicated problem with a simple solution. By adding a fourth hand that made one full rotation every 24 hours and a rotating bezel that featured a 24-hour scale, the wearer can easily track two different time zones with the flick of their wrist. 

The original Reference 6542 were fitted with bezels with Bakelite inserts split into two colors: red and blue, which over the decades have become an instantaneously recognizable icon and was nicknamed the ‘Pepsi’ by collectors.

Since 1954, the evolution of the GMT-Master has seen various upgrades over the years such as the transition from Bakelite to the more durable aluminum bezel, two tone and solid gold variations, and different color combinations in the bezels. 

The present example, the Reference 16710, was introduced in 1989 and produced until 2007. Powered by the calibre 3185, it was an upgrade to Rolex’s first in house calibre 3085 that featured an independently adjustable 24-hour hand. In true Rolex fashion, the calibre 3185 concentrates on the most important elements of a watch caliber: accuracy, reliability and durability. Most watch collectors can agree that Rolex produces some of the most robust movements designed to reliably keep time for their wearer through the roughest of terrains. With research and development at their core, Rolex is dedicated to engineering new materials for use in their timepieces. The calibre 3185 in our timepiece for example, contains a balance wheel made from Glucydur, an alloy made of copper and beryllium that is paramagnetic and resistant to expansion in varying temperatures. 

Our present timepiece features another one of Rolex’s iconic designs. Nicknamed the ‘Coke’ it features a red and black two-tone bezel reminiscent of the world’s most popular soda. 

Complete with original box and papers, the dial features Super-LumiNova luminous plots as Rolex began moving away from radioactive photoluminescent materials in 1998. Purchased in 2005, our timepiece represents one of the last of the Reference 16710 before the introduction of the GMT-Master II ref. 116718.