The 16700 is the last of the classic aluminum-bezel GMT-Masters - produced between 1988 and 1999 before the reference was retired in favour of the 16710. This example carries everything a serious collector looks for: a "Swiss Only" dial, a beautifully and evenly faded Pepsi insert, matching papers dated March 1999, and the original serial tag still present.
Details:
- Reference: 16700
- Serial: U96 series (1999)
- Year: 1999
- Case Size: 40mm, stainless steel (Oyster case)
- Bezel: Bidirectional 24-hour aluminum Pepsi insert - red/blue, nicely and evenly faded with the red section showing characteristic warm burgundy patina
- Dial: Matte black "Swiss Only" - no "Swiss Made" text, a sought-after detail on late-production 16700 examples
- Movement: Rolex Caliber 3175, automatic with GMT and date
- Bracelet: Oyster bracelet with folding Oysterclasp
Set Includes:
- Papers (dated 16 March 1999, sold through Chow Tai Fook Gallery, Hong Kong)
- Original serial tag
Condition:
- Good overall condition consistent with age and honest wear
- Case showing light surface marks and softening of brushed surfaces
- Bracelet with light stretch consistent with period use
- Bezel faded uniformly - no chips or damage to insert
- "Swiss Only" dial clean and legible with good lume plots
- All functions - GMT, date, and time - operating correctly
The 16700 was the transitional GMT-Master between the original 1675 lineage and the modern 16710 - sharing the sapphire crystal and quickset date of the era while retaining the classic 40mm case proportions and aluminum bezel that define vintage GMT collecting today.
