Post by mike on Jan 23, 2006 20:10:15 GMT -6
Only if you like LOVE GMTs will you appreciate this one. A recent addition for me and one of those "must haves" on my list, the GMT-Master matte dial (Ref. 16750) circa 1980.
The significance of the 16750 is that it is a true transitional sport model. Reason being, it has all of the vintage features of a classic Rolex while adding a few enhancement from the Rolex R&D workshop to help modernize the aging GMT.
What makes it vintage:
Acrylic crystal
matte dial w/tritium hands/markers
Fixed 24hr hand
Smooth turn bi-directional bezel (no 120 clicks)
Bracelet w/o flip-lock style clasp
What makes it modern:
Fast beat movement cal 3075 (28,800 vph)
Quick-set date
What makes it transitional:
The reason the 16750 is considered "transitional" is because Rolex produced them as an evolutionary step closer to the modern GMT II (Ref. 16710). The major improvement over it's predecessor, the 1675 (cal. 1565/1575), was a new fast beat movement (cal. 3075) which increased vibrations per hour from 19,800 to an incredible 28,800. It is my belief that the fast beat 30xx series was a move by Rolex to "up" it's game and accuracy to compete with the increasing popularity/accuracy of Quartz watches.
The 16750 was only produced for ~5-6 years (80-85) and the matte dial was only available for about 2-3 of those years. It was ultimately replaced in the late 80's by another less known transitional GMT (Ref. 16700); the first GMT equiped with a sapphire crystal. Rolex up the anny again by giving the 16700 an upgraded movement (cal. 3175) and a dressier appearency (w/g hands/hour surrounds). The 16750 and 16700 were the last of the GMT-Masters and almost mirror the modern GMT-Master II (16710).
Hope you guys enjoy...
16710 Left
16750 Right
[/
The significance of the 16750 is that it is a true transitional sport model. Reason being, it has all of the vintage features of a classic Rolex while adding a few enhancement from the Rolex R&D workshop to help modernize the aging GMT.
What makes it vintage:
Acrylic crystal
matte dial w/tritium hands/markers
Fixed 24hr hand
Smooth turn bi-directional bezel (no 120 clicks)
Bracelet w/o flip-lock style clasp
What makes it modern:
Fast beat movement cal 3075 (28,800 vph)
Quick-set date
What makes it transitional:
The reason the 16750 is considered "transitional" is because Rolex produced them as an evolutionary step closer to the modern GMT II (Ref. 16710). The major improvement over it's predecessor, the 1675 (cal. 1565/1575), was a new fast beat movement (cal. 3075) which increased vibrations per hour from 19,800 to an incredible 28,800. It is my belief that the fast beat 30xx series was a move by Rolex to "up" it's game and accuracy to compete with the increasing popularity/accuracy of Quartz watches.
The 16750 was only produced for ~5-6 years (80-85) and the matte dial was only available for about 2-3 of those years. It was ultimately replaced in the late 80's by another less known transitional GMT (Ref. 16700); the first GMT equiped with a sapphire crystal. Rolex up the anny again by giving the 16700 an upgraded movement (cal. 3175) and a dressier appearency (w/g hands/hour surrounds). The 16750 and 16700 were the last of the GMT-Masters and almost mirror the modern GMT-Master II (16710).
Hope you guys enjoy...
16710 Left
16750 Right
[/