Rolex GMT-Master Ultimate Buying Guide

In this video we talk all about the Rolex GMT-Master and this iconic collection’s key features. Click here to shop all Rolex GMT-Master watches: https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-gmt...

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Launched in 1955, the GMT-Master was created at the request of Pan Am Airlines who asked for a multi-time zone watch for its pilots and crews. Throughout history, there have been both GMT-Master and GMT-Master II watches, with the key difference being that the later features independently adjustable hour hands, enabling it to track three time zones. Between both models, the collection has existed in eight different generations, and prices can range from under $10k to over six-figures.

The most expensive GMT-Master watches are those from the first generation ref. 6542. Produced between 1955 and 1959, these early examples are easily the rarest and they can have either stainless steel or solid gold cases. Prices for this generation start out at around $40k and quickly increase into the six-figure range, with the most expensive examples being those with their original Bakelite bezel inserts.

By 1959, Rolex launched the second generation of the GMT-Master with the ref. 1675. Although it offered the same functionality as its predecessor, the ref. 1675 featured a larger 40mm case with crown-guards. This generation was offered in stainless steel, two-tone, or yellow gold, and it also introduced the option of an all-black bezel insert. Rolex GMT-Master 1675 watches can be found with a range of variation with prices starting out at around $12k.

The next generation appeared at the start of the 1980s with the steel ref. 16750, two-tone ref. 16753, and solid gold ref. 16758. Despite the visual similarities between this generation and the previous one, these models feature a quickset date, with prices starting out at just under $10k.

In 1982, Rolex unveiled the first GMT-Master II with the ref. 16760. In addition to a new red/black Coke bezel and sapphire crystal, the movement featured independently adjustable hour hands, allowing it to display an additional third timezone. Prices for GMT-Master II 16760 watches start out at $12k, and increase depending on the specific example and its overall condition.

Although the GMT-Master II first debuted in 1982, Rolex still offered a version of the standard GMT-Master alongside it until the late 1990s. In 1988, Rolex launched the ref. 16700. The ref. 16700 was only offered in steel and featured a sapphire crystal, but it did not include a movement with independently adjustable hour hands. The ref. 16700 is among the most affordable Rolex GMT watches, with prices starting out at just under $10k.

The GMT-Master II 16710 was released in the late 1980s, offering the option of either a Pepsi, Coke, or all-black bezel. This generation was also offered in two-tone (ref. 16713) and 18k yellow gold (ref. 16718) configurations, and it was the last generation fitted with aluminum bezels. Prices for the steel and two-tone models range from $10k to $16k, while the solid gold examples cost around $20k to $30k.

Rolex unveiled a new generation of GMT-Master II in 2005 featuring Cerachrom ceramic bezels and cases with thicker lugs and crown-guards. Offered in steel, two-tone, yellow gold, and white gold, there were two versions of the steel model - the ref. 116710LN with a black bezel, and the ref. 1167610BLNR “Batman” with a black and blue bezel. Prices for this generation can range from $10k up to $45k, depending on materials and bezel color. The most expensive are the white gold models with ceramic Pepsi bezels, while the least expensive are the steel models with black bezels.

In 2018, Rolex launched a new generation of the GMT-Master II. A stainless steel Pepsi model with a Jubilee bracelet ref. 126710BLRO was introduced, and Everose replaced yellow gold in the two-tone ref. 126711CHNR and solid gold ref. 126715CHNR models, which were now fitted with black and brown ceramic Root Beer bezels. Retail pricing for the current GMT-Master II collection starts out at $9,700 for the steel model and extends to $38,250 for the white gold Pepsi model. However, it is impossible to purchase the current stainless steel Rolex GMT-Master II at a retail level without a waitlist, so second-hand prices for the steel models typically sit between $15k and $20k on the open market.

Despite being a purpose-built timepiece designed for pilots and airline crews, the GMT-Master has evolved into the ultimate luxury travel watch and now represents a true icon within the industry.

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