Description
Inspiration
Rolex GMT "Pepsi"
Reference 16700
Serial Number N,419,XXX
Circa 1991
Polished, Good Condition
Box
Own a piece of history...
Rolexes legacy is as the leader of iconic technical tool watches having created many patented innovations including the screw down crown, anti-magnetic casing, helium release valve, the ratchet bezel...
The Rolex Pepsi GMT is one of the most recognizable watches on the planet. Launched in 1954, it was designed for pilots in the age of transcontinental flights. The characteristic blue and red bezel was said to be inspired by the colors of Pan American Airways, who commissioned the watch from Rolex.
In 1960, Rolex launched their second series of the GMT-Master, a reference that would run until approximately 1980, the reference 1675. This new reference featured the new 1530 series movement, in the case of the GMT-Master caliber 1565. The most striking feature of the updated watch was the presence of crown guards. The case had been enlarged by 2mm and was now 40mm (excluding the crown guards) and was again available in both stainless steel (1675/0) and 18ct yellow gold (1675/8).
Rolex also introduced the aluminium insert as standard on the reference 1675. On the steel version the ‘Pepsi’ bezel was standard and on the yellow gold watch the insert was brown. The 1675 went through two crown guard versions too. The first iteration is referred to by collectors as pointed crown guards (PCG) or in Italian ‘cornino’. This was due to the thin and sharp profile of the guards. The later version is much thicker and rounded and can be referred to as rounded crown guards as per the lingo used for Submariners.
Ours is in excellent condition with very strong lugs, original dial, hands, period bracelet and is authenticated and guaranteed original.