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Few watches have achieved the legendary status of the Rolex GMT-Master. Originally developed in the 1950s for international pilots, the GMT-Master became one of the most recognisable sports watches ever produced, combining practical functionality with a design that has remained remarkably consistent for over seven decades.
This 1983 Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 16750 is a particularly attractive example from what collectors often refer to as the transitional period of Rolex production.
The reference 16750 succeeded the longstanding 1675, retaining much of the charm and appearance of its predecessor while introducing several important mechanical improvements. Most notably, the new Rolex calibre 3075 brought a higher beat rate and a practical quickset date function, making the watch considerably more convenient for everyday wear.
However, what makes the early 16750 particularly interesting is its dial.
This example features its original matte black dial, with painted tritium hour markers and no white gold surrounds. It is a design closely associated with the earlier four-digit GMT-Master references and one that was eventually replaced by the glossy dials and applied hour markers of later production.
The result is a watch that offers the unmistakable appearance of a vintage Rolex GMT-Master, but with the mechanical advantages of the newer calibre 3075.
Surrounding the dial is the original red and blue aluminium 'Pepsi' bezel insert, which has developed a wonderful aged appearance. The blue has softened beautifully over the years, while the red retains a vibrant tone, creating the distinctive contrast that makes these vintage GMT-Masters so appealing.
The original tritium hour markers have developed a warm creamy patina, complemented by the aged luminous material in the hands. The red 24-hour hand provides a welcome splash of colour against the matte black dial and allows a second time zone to be read using the bidirectional 24-hour bezel.
The 40mm stainless steel Oyster case retains the classic proportions of the GMT-Master, while the domed acrylic crystal adds another layer of vintage character that is absent from later sapphire crystal models.
Completing the watch is its original Rolex 78360 Oyster bracelet, with the familiar three-link construction that makes the GMT-Master such a versatile watch to wear.
Beyond its attractive appearance, this example is accompanied by an exceptional collection of original accessories and historical documentation, including its original punched warranty papers, purchase receipt and an extensive record of previous servicing.
For collectors who value originality, provenance and the character that comes with age, this is a particularly compelling vintage Rolex GMT-Master.
Key Features
Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 16750
Year 1983
Rolex automatic calibre 3075 movement
Quickset date function
40mm stainless steel Oyster case
Original matte black dial
Original painted tritium hour markers
Original 'SWISS - T<25' dial signature
Beautifully aged creamy tritium patina
Original hands with aged luminous material
Red 24-hour GMT hand
Original faded red and blue 'Pepsi' aluminium bezel insert
Bidirectional 24-hour rotating bezel
Acrylic crystal with Cyclops date magnification
Original Rolex 78360 Oyster bracelet
Original punched warranty papers
Original purchase receipt
Original Rolex GMT-Master booklet
Original serial-numbered swing tag
Original inner and outer Rolex boxes
Previous independent service history and retained service components
Complete collector's set
A Word on Condition
This Rolex GMT-Master presents as a very attractive vintage example, with an abundance of the character that makes early matte dial references so desirable.
The original matte black dial is the centrepiece of the watch. Its painted tritium hour markers have developed a beautifully warm tone, creating an attractive contrast against the dark dial surface.
The original hands display the natural ageing expected of a watch from this period, with the luminous material complementing the aged hour markers. The red GMT hand, with its distinctive triangular tip, remains an especially attractive feature.
The original Pepsi bezel insert is another highlight. Both the blue and red sections retain strong colour, although the tones have softened with age. There are visible marks, scratches and areas of wear across the insert, all consistent with its vintage character.
The stainless steel case presents well, retaining attractive proportions and definition to the lugs. There are signs of previous wear and use, as expected from a watch of this age, while the acrylic crystal also shows the characteristic reflections and appearance associated with vintage Rolex sports watches.
The original Rolex Oyster bracelet displays signs of normal use and remains an attractive complement to the watch.
What I particularly like about this example is that it has not lost the personality that makes vintage Rolex collecting so enjoyable. The dial, hands, bezel and case all contribute to an appearance that feels authentic to the period.
It is a watch that has been worn, enjoyed and maintained throughout its life, with a collection of accompanying documents that helps tell that story.
Accessories / The Set
This Rolex GMT-Master is accompanied by an excellent and unusually comprehensive collection of original accessories and documentation.
The watch is supplied with its original Rolex inner and outer presentation boxes, original punched warranty papers showing a date of sale in September 1986, and the original purchase receipt.
The set also includes the original Rolex GMT-Master instruction booklet and serial-numbered Rolex swing tag.
Perhaps most interesting is the collection of previous service documentation. The watch has undergone multiple independent services throughout its life, and the accompanying paperwork provides a useful record of its maintenance history.
Retained components from previous servicing are also included, offering further insight into the watch's history.
This is exactly the sort of accompanying documentation that we appreciate at Watts On Watches. While we always prioritise the condition and originality of a vintage watch over its accessories, finding an example with genuine period paperwork, original purchase documentation and an established history makes the overall package considerably more interesting.
The original warranty papers and purchase receipt provide a valuable connection to the watch's early life, while the later service records help document its journey through subsequent ownership.
All purchases are supplied with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and full purchase documentation.
Why Buy This Watch
For me, the Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 16750 is one of the most interesting references in the history of the collection.
It occupies a particularly appealing position between the earlier four-digit GMT-Masters and the more modern references that followed.
You retain the vintage charm of an acrylic crystal, painted tritium dial and aluminium Pepsi bezel, but benefit from the considerably more practical Rolex calibre 3075 with its quickset date function.
It really is an excellent combination of old and new.
The early matte dial is particularly important. Rolex would eventually move towards glossy dials with white gold surrounds, giving later watches a noticeably different appearance. Finding an early 16750 with its original matte dial allows you to enjoy much of the character associated with the legendary 1675, without sacrificing the practical improvements introduced with this reference.
Then there is the bezel.
Few details are as immediately recognisable as the red and blue Pepsi insert. On a vintage example, the way those colours have aged can make an enormous difference to the overall appearance of the watch.
This particular insert has developed a lovely character, with softened blue tones and a vibrant red section that work beautifully alongside the warm tritium and matte black dial.
However, the real attraction of this example goes beyond the watch itself.
The original punched warranty papers, purchase receipt, Rolex presentation boxes, booklet, serial swing tag and extensive service documentation create a far more complete picture of its history than we typically encounter with watches of this age.
That provenance is something I particularly appreciate. Vintage watches have stories, but it is not often that we have the accompanying paperwork to help piece those stories together.
For an established collector, this represents an opportunity to acquire an attractive early matte dial GMT-Master with substantial documentation. For someone entering the world of vintage Rolex, it offers an excellent introduction to the history, design and character that make these watches so special.
A beautifully aged Pepsi bezel, original matte dial, warm tritium and an exceptional accompanying set. There is an awful lot to like about this 1983 Rolex GMT-Master.
Every watch we sell is fully inspected to meet our exacting standards. We stand by the quality of our stock, which is why every purchase comes with a 12-month warranty as standard.