Rolex GMT-Master Date Ref. 16758 - Black 'Nipple' Dial
The Rolex GMT-Master is one of the most historic and iconic watches the brand ever produced. Its origin dates back to a commission request by Pan American World Airways in the early 50’s for their fleet of pilots who needed access to different time zones.
These pieces would feature a similar design to another watch that Rolex was developing around that time, the Submariner, but would include a fourth hand running on 24-hr time, and a bi-colored bezel insert to represent AM/PM times. Those colors, naturally, would be the PanAm colors: Red & Blue. Thus, in 1953, the Ref. 6542 GMT-Master was born. These early pieces were ultimately, fragile arguably flawed in some ways, and were therefor succeeded by the updated Reference 1675 in 1959.
Like many Rolex models, the 1675 underwent many small changes over its 21-year production run, with a slew of dial, bezel, bracelet, and hand variations, and would eventually evolve into the 5-digit GMT-Master and GMT-Master IIs.
Enter the Reference 16758. These pieces carry over a very similar brown 'nipple' dial and brown bezel insert, while also upgrading the movement with a quickset date function, as well as increased water resistance by way of a sapphire crystal and case redesign.
The example that we have here dates to circa 1980 and comes to us in excellent overall condition. The case retains tick and symmetrical lugs at each corner, with those gorgeous factory chamfers clearly visible. It shows normal signs of wear throughout with no damage or blemishes of note. The bezel shows normal wear and retains nice definition and houses an black 24-hr bezel. The matte black dial inside features applied 'nipple' indices filled with Tritium, which show even patina throughout with a beautifully matching handset. This piece comes fitted to a matching, albeit later yellow gold 'rivet' Oyster bracelet with a signed adjustable blade-style clasp.
Solid gold sports watches present great value next to their steel siblings... This strong example in particular even a greater value play.
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