GMT-Master 16700 - "Ghost" Faded Pepsi - Watch Only - ca. 1997

Rolex GMT-Master 16700 - "Ghost" Faded Pepsi Insert - Watch Only (ca. 1997)

The reference 16700 is the last of the fixed-24-hour-hand GMT-Masters, produced from 1988 to 1999 and offered only in steel. This example wears its years openly - a naturally faded "ghost" Pepsi insert where the red half has softened to a pale pink while the blue side has kept its depth, a look that is prized among vintage collectors and can only be earned with time.

Details:

• Reference: 16700
• Year: ca. 1997
• Case Size: 40mm, stainless steel Oyster case
• Bezel: Bidirectional 24-hour, aluminum insert - naturally faded "ghost" Pepsi (blue side retained, red side faded to soft pink)
• Dial: Glossy black with applied luminous hour markers, Mercedes-style hands, and the classic red arrow-tipped 24-hour hand
• Movement: Rolex Caliber 3175, automatic, 48-hour power reserve, 28,800 vph, quickset date, hacking seconds
• Bracelet: Oyster bracelet in stainless steel with folding Oysterclasp
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Water Resistance: 100 meters

Set Includes:

• Watch only

Condition:

• Good overall condition with honest signs of use consistent with a vintage example
• Naturally faded "ghost" Pepsi bezel insert - blue tone retained, red side faded to a soft pink - a genuine, unforced patina
• Dial, hands and luminous markers clean with no visible damage
• Case retaining its overall shape with light surface marks from normal wear
• Movement running, GMT and date functions operating

The ref. 16700 is the direct successor to the acrylic-crystal 16750 and the parallel sibling of the 16710 GMT-Master II, and among vintage Rolex enthusiasts it is increasingly regarded as the "true" GMT-Master - a single mechanically linked 24-hour hand, no independent local-hour jump, and an aluminum bezel that ages the way only aluminum can.