Rolex GMT-Master "Root Beer" 16753

The Rolex GMT-Master has been closely associated with international travel since its introduction in the 1950s, originally developed in collaboration with Pan Am for pilots who needed to track multiple time zones. The distinctive combination of a 24-hour hand and rotating bezel made it a highly practical tool watch, while the introduction of the steel and gold versions in the 1970s brought a more distinctive and luxurious character to the design.

Watch Concierge Services are pleased to present for sale this excellent example of reference 16753, dating from 1984. The second generation of the two-tone GMT-Master, the 16753 introduced the higher-beat Calibre 3075, together with a quick-set date, while retaining the acrylic crystal and classic proportions of its predecessor. The brown and gold bezel and matching brown dial give the watch its much-loved “Root Beer” nickname, with the combination of steel and 18ct yellow gold adding to its unmistakable 1970s and 1980s character. The model is also known by collectors as the “Clint Eastwood”, after the actor's association with the watch.

The 40mm Oyster case has all of the proportions that we know and love of Rolex GMTs of this era, while the combination of steel with 18ct yellow gold adds another element of charm. The gold bi-directional rotating bezel is fitted with the distinctive brown and gold-coloured “Root Beer” aluminium insert, presented here in excellent condition.

The brown dial, not commonly used on Rolex watches, is brought to life with a vibrant sunburst finish that catches in the light. However, the keen collectors amongst you may be more interested in the raised gold “nipple” hour markers. These earlier dials are considered more desirable after Rolex replaced them with the more standard, larger and flatter hour markers around 1984. The dial is in excellent vintage condition, showing some light patina around the date window which, in my opinion, only adds to its character.

Behind a solid case back, the watch is powered by Rolex’s Calibre 3075 automatic movement. It features hacking seconds and the useful quick-set date function that distinguished the 16753 from the earlier 1675/3.

In keeping with the charming steel and gold aesthetic, the watch is fitted with a Jubilee bracelet, also presented in a very good vintage condition. The clasp reference 62523-H14 dates the bracelet to 1983, making it likely to be the original bracelet for the watch.

Supplied with the watch is a wooden Rolex presentation box and its original Garantie certificate, showing that the watch was originally purchased from Parkhouse & Wyatt in Southampton.

The watch has been thoroughly tested by ourselves, and additionally checked by a vintage watch specialist and Rolex-accredited watchmaker. No issues were raised and the movement was found to be running well, and as such, we are pleased to supply the watch with a 6-month warranty.

This special watch is full of vintage charm and, being in such wonderful condition, is an increasingly sought-after choice for collectors looking for something a little different.

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