The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex Reference Library

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 7 July 2008, 09:24 AM   #1
Tools
TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron
 
Tools's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,457
The GMT-Master 16700.....A Forgotten Reference

When Pan-Am first commissioned Rolex to develop a two timezone watch for the new Boeing 707 jets in 1956 , their concern was to keep the pilots reference to home time intact, while still allowing them to track the different time zones they travelled through. It was felt that keeping a home-time reference would alleviate jet-lag as the pilots could still keep their circadian routine. This also gave Jet Navigators an in-cockpit GMT time reference necessary for Celestial Navigation of the era.

Their efforts resulted in the GMT-Master ref. 6542. The GMT stood for Greenwich Mean Time, which was the world standard for a unified or universal time clock.

It's use in practice was initially envisioned as having the watch set for local time, and the bezel was rotated to the new timezone... Local was read at the dial and the timezone you were presently in would be displayed in 24hr time on the bezel....simple. When you got back home the bezel triangle should be back at the 12 o'clock position.

The New GMT and it's line soon became the "standard" and a pilots must-have time-piece. NASA test pilots were given GMT-Masters during development of the record breaking X-series jet aircraft, and they were the personal time-piece of many American astronauts.

The ref 16700 that was produced from about 1988 until 1999 was the last of those watches with synchronized 24hr and 12 hour hands, but with the upgraded sapphire crystal, hacking seconds, and quick-set date.

Specifications
Model: .........................GMT-Master
Reference Number: ........16700
Production Years: ..........1988-1999
Movement: ...................Caliber 3175
Power Reserve: .............48 Hours
Water Resistance: .........100m
Bezel:.......................... Bidirectional
Crown: ........................Screwdown Twinlock
Crystal:....................... Sapphire
Diameter: ....................40mm
Thickness: ...................N/A
Weight: .......................123 grams
Bracelet: .....................Steel, Oyster or Jubilee
Lug Width: ..................20mm
Watchwinder Direction: ..Both


From my personal collection, a 1997 T series GMT 16700:
GMTM Face.jpg

One of the last of the tritium dials:
GMT Tritium.jpg

Lug holes case....a treat for the eyes:
GMT LugHoles.jpg

There are no numbers here....this is one of the originals:
GMT MasterFont.jpg

The GMT 16700 came equipped with the 28,800bph ca 3175 movement:
GMT3175a.jpg
This movement features a full balance bridge for stability and accuracy, one of Rolex trademarks.. You can see the KIF shock spring at the balance pivot jewel:
GMT3175e copy.jpg

A 24 hour hand that travels around the dial exactly one half the speed of the main hour hand:
The bezel is turned to the number of hours you are from local time to track any other time-zone in 24hr time, provided you have set your watch to local.

Here is an excerpt from the GMT 16700 Owners Manual:
GMT Book1.jpg
GMT Book2.jpg
GMT Book3.jpg
GMT Book4.jpg

While flying and controlling in Alaska I would set the bezel at -8 hrs to keep track of GMT time, a useful reference for pilots.
GMT AlaskaBezel.jpg

One unusual aspect of the 16700 - It was offered with the 93150 Sub Style bracelet (perhaps to fit over a flight suit?), a popular option which I preferred at the time:
This one still has the original 93150/501B bracelet - V9, Sept 1996 clasp code...Purchased in early 1997:
GMT 93150.jpg

This was the last of it's kind, almost ignored because of the new 16710 and only a few of them were made:
GMT Omni.jpg
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....)
NAWCC Member

Last edited by Tools; 31 May 2012 at 06:28 AM..
Tools is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 July 2008, 07:33 AM   #2
glocati
"TRF" Member
 
glocati's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Real Name: Greg
Location: Portland, Oregon
Watch: 1675/3+16013
Posts: 538
Great write up and pics, Larry. I love my 16700 !
glocati is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 July 2008, 07:35 AM   #3
karmatp
"TRF" Member
 
karmatp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Real Name: Trevor
Location: Arizona
Posts: 5,740
Great post Larry, thanks.
karmatp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 July 2008, 07:42 AM   #4
Duc-904
"TRF" Member
 
Duc-904's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Real Name: Jesse
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 1,001
Good stuff Larry! I recently picked up up one of these gems and can't keep it off my wrist!
Duc-904 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 July 2008, 07:46 AM   #5
mike
"TRF" Member
 
mike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 22,683
Excellent review Larry. The 16700 holds a special place in the heritage of the GMT....one that collectors are starting to take notice of.

Stunning example.
mike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 July 2008, 07:53 AM   #6
glocati
"TRF" Member
 
glocati's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Real Name: Greg
Location: Portland, Oregon
Watch: 1675/3+16013
Posts: 538
Quote:
Originally Posted by Duc-904 View Post
Good stuff Larry! I recently picked up up one of these gems and can't keep it off my wrist!
Glad to see another 16700 wearer in Portland !
glocati is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 July 2008, 07:56 AM   #7
seantk
"TRF" Member
 
seantk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Real Name: Sean
Location: West Florida
Posts: 2,671
Good write up and history

Sean
__________________
"Life is frittered away with detail... simplify, simplify!" Henry D. Thoreau
seantk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 July 2008, 07:58 AM   #8
Duc-904
"TRF" Member
 
Duc-904's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Real Name: Jesse
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 1,001
Quote:
Originally Posted by glocati View Post
Glad to see another 16700 wearer in Portland !
Likewise!
Duc-904 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 April 2018, 11:16 AM   #9
Bagman
Banned
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Louisiana
Watch: Rolex Pepsi
Posts: 543
The GMT-Master 16700.....A Forgotten Reference

Quote:
Originally Posted by glocati View Post
Great write up and pics, Larry. I love my 16700 !


Thanks for taking the time. Love mine. What year was the oyster band come out?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Bagman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 July 2008, 07:46 AM   #10
jdc
"TRF" Member
 
jdc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Real Name: Martin
Location: UK
Posts: 7,023
Great write up and pictures, thanks
jdc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 July 2008, 07:52 AM   #11
redshirt1957
"TRF" Member
 
redshirt1957's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Real Name: Bubba
Location: Bitsyville!
Watch: Blue YM today!
Posts: 10,053
I know what you mean.

redshirt1957 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12 January 2015, 06:52 AM   #12
strafer_kid
"TRF" Member
 
strafer_kid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Real Name: Kenny
Location: northern ireland
Watch: SDs, Subs & GMTs
Posts: 5,134
Quote:
Originally Posted by redshirt1957 View Post
I know what you mean.

Terrific picture!
strafer_kid is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 July 2015, 11:08 PM   #13
HogwldFLTR
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
 
HogwldFLTR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Real Name: Lee
Location: 42.48.45N70.48.48
Watch: Too many to list!
Posts: 33,630
Quote:
Originally Posted by redshirt1957 View Post
I know what you mean.

I agree that it is a cool shot especially considering the 16700 was never offered with the coke bezel insert. It makes a nice change to the standard however. I have one but have never but it on my watch.
__________________
Troglodyte in residence!

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=808599
HogwldFLTR is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 July 2008, 10:56 AM   #14
Lol-x
Facilitator
 
Lol-x's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Real Name: Steve
Location: Omnipresent
Posts: 33,457
Very interesting Larry, thanks for sharing those great photos and the story

I really like the movement photos
__________________

Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. ~Abraham Lincoln
Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy

ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim
Lol-x is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 July 2008, 10:58 AM   #15
Tools
TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron
 
Tools's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,457
Quote:
Originally Posted by I_WANT_YOU View Post
Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't Rolex attempt to send watches into space that later couldn't hack it somehow. Wasn't it an Omega that ultimately became the official watch.

A story I take ZERO pleasure in relaying, since we all know Omega is a Rolex cover band.
Well...That's not exactly the case..

NASA bought several different brands, including Rolex, back in the early 60's, and put them through a series of torture tests. The winner of these tests, and the "official" watch to be used for space walks was the Omega Speedmaster.

Astronauts can use practically any other watch they want while in space, except for official outside-the-shuttle walks, and many of them do wear a Rolex..
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....)
NAWCC Member
Tools is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 July 2008, 11:06 AM   #16
jm433
"TRF" Member
 
jm433's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Real Name: James
Location: California
Posts: 312
One thing I've often wondered about is why the two-colored bezels? I'm assuming the idea was to separate day from night at a glance, but never thought this made much sense. Daylight doesn't necessarily correspond to 6 am to 6pm and the use of military-time hour indicators on the bezel already indicates a.m. versus p.m. at a glance.

Was the two-colored bezel just for decoration? You've shown your black bezel model and I don't think you lose any functionality with that....
jm433 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 July 2008, 11:30 AM   #17
Tools
TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron
 
Tools's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,457
Quote:
Originally Posted by jm433 View Post
One thing I've often wondered about is why the two-colored bezels? I'm assuming the idea was to separate day from night at a glance, but never thought this made much sense. Daylight doesn't necessarily correspond to 6 am to 6pm and the use of military-time hour indicators on the bezel already indicates a.m. versus p.m. at a glance.

Was the two-colored bezel just for decoration? You've shown your black bezel model and I don't think you lose any functionality with that....
This has been the topic of conversation...some of it heated, over the years..

The original ref 6542, which had a very short life was navy over red. Keeping in mind that this was a pilots watch, the design is similar to an artificial horizon instrument, probably the main instrument used by pilots.

The color quickly became the familiar "pepsi" dial within a few years. Now, at the time Pan-American colors were bright blue and silver or white, depending on if you were looking at the airplane or the uniform, and red/white/blue was uniquely American, so blue over red seems a natural..

It does provide a quick reference when looking at it as the 6 am to 6pm area is generally daylight and it is red, whereas, the 6 pm to 6 am time is evening/dark and the bezel is black/blue in this area. (another theory for the colors)

The functionality of the black bezel is the same, but I do notice a difference in "hunting" for the 24 hour hand without the two colors..
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....)
NAWCC Member

Last edited by Tools; 4 March 2019 at 03:06 AM..
Tools is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 July 2008, 11:50 AM   #18
jm433
"TRF" Member
 
jm433's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Real Name: James
Location: California
Posts: 312
Interesting that the first reference model was black over red. I had always assumed that the pepsi bezel was the first. I guess its just the most iconic.
jm433 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 July 2008, 11:56 AM   #19
jm433
"TRF" Member
 
jm433's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Real Name: James
Location: California
Posts: 312
After having had my GMT 16710 for a few months, I think I might give up the independent hour hand for the quickset date of the 16700. It's kind of a pain to set the date without the quickset feature. And I have been wearing mine with the hour hand and 24-hr hand synchronized anyway. I rotate the bezel for the second time zone.
jm433 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 13 February 2012, 04:33 AM   #20
AndersB
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 603
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tools View Post
The original ref 6542, which had a very short life was black over red. [...]

The color quickly became the familiar "pepsi" dial within a few years.
Is it a confirmed fact that the first 6542s had black/red bezels? In pictures of some early examples it definitely seems as if the bezels are black/red although they are in fact very dark blue over red.
AndersB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 July 2008, 02:05 PM   #21
what3ver
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Real Name: Jim
Location: San Diego
Posts: 198
Quote:
Originally Posted by I_WANT_YOU View Post
since we all know Omega is a Rolex cover band.
Ouch. I wouldn't say that, considering Omega has existed almost twice as long as Rolex for one. I actually own more Omega's than Rolex's, and I assure the price difference has nothing to do with it.
what3ver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 July 2008, 01:19 AM   #22
DSJ
"TRF" Member
 
DSJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Real Name: David
Location: USA
Watch: your step!
Posts: 7,882
Great review. I hope to have a GMT Master (or II) some day.
__________________
Rolex. The Rolex of watches.
16570 Expy2 Noir, 116710 GMT Master II,
2552.80 SMP
DSJ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 July 2008, 01:34 AM   #23
jtrader
"TRF" Member
 
jtrader's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Real Name: Jon
Location: seattle
Watch: Rolex GMT BLNR
Posts: 301
I love the look of the GMT with the all black bezel. In fact if I would have bought mine with an all black bezel if I could have. But my only option at the time was the Coke with the new 3186 or a pepsi with the 3185. So I decided to go with the 3186.

Does anyone know how I might get my hands on a black bezel. I understand that there prob no longer being made since Rolex came out with the new ceramic bezel's.... Is this something that I would half to send in threw my AD to have done, or would I be able to find an AD that would order one for me?

Any advise would be great as I am wanting to expand my options with this timepeice!!
jtrader is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 July 2008, 01:49 AM   #24
Dan Pierce
2024 Pledge Member
 
Dan Pierce's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Real Name: D'OH!
Location: Kentucky
Watch: Rolex-1 Tudor-3
Posts: 36,098
Great read, Larry. I'd love to own a 16700 someday. Very interesting about the [Sub] bracelet used for a while.
Thanks for sharing.
dP
__________________
TRF Member# 1668
Bass Player in TRF "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Band
Commander-in-Chief of The Nylon Nation
The Crown & Shield Club
Honorary Member of P-Club
Dan Pierce is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 July 2008, 01:51 AM   #25
redshirt1957
"TRF" Member
 
redshirt1957's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Real Name: Bubba
Location: Bitsyville!
Watch: Blue YM today!
Posts: 10,053
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan Pierce View Post
Great read, Larry. I'd love to own a 16700 someday. Very interesting about the [Sub] bracelet used for a while.
Thanks for sharing.
dP

Yep, I was lucky to get one with the original Sub bracelet. Makes it kind of unique.
redshirt1957 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 July 2008, 01:56 AM   #26
Dan Pierce
2024 Pledge Member
 
Dan Pierce's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Real Name: D'OH!
Location: Kentucky
Watch: Rolex-1 Tudor-3
Posts: 36,098
Quote:
Originally Posted by redshirt1957 View Post
Yep, I was lucky to get one with the original Sub bracelet. Makes it kind of unique.
Very cool, Joe!
dP
__________________
TRF Member# 1668
Bass Player in TRF "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Band
Commander-in-Chief of The Nylon Nation
The Crown & Shield Club
Honorary Member of P-Club
Dan Pierce is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25 April 2009, 07:20 AM   #27
kzm40
"TRF" Member
 
kzm40's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: UK
Posts: 713
Quote:
Originally Posted by jtrader View Post
I love the look of the GMT with the all black bezel. In fact if I would have bought mine with an all black bezel if I could have. But my only option at the time was the Coke with the new 3186 or a pepsi with the 3185. So I decided to go with the 3186.

Does anyone know how I might get my hands on a black bezel. I understand that there prob no longer being made since Rolex came out with the new ceramic bezel's.... Is this something that I would half to send in threw my AD to have done, or would I be able to find an AD that would order one for me?

Any advise would be great as I am wanting to expand my options with this timepeice!!
In the UK it's easy to get replacement bezels..I have Pepsi and Black..
kzm40 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 July 2008, 02:27 AM   #28
FrankinCA
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Real Name: Frank
Location: Ventura County
Watch: Omega SeMP Chrono
Posts: 141
Thank you for sharing that.

I like reading this historical information about how the watch came about.

best,

Frank
FrankinCA is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 July 2008, 02:59 AM   #29
lordcon
"TRF" Member
 
lordcon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Real Name: Jason
Location: MD, USA
Watch: 16600 SD_Z serial
Posts: 309
I find it interesting that the Rolex instruction manual refers to the watch as a "GMT Master I" as opposed to just "GMT Master". The "I" implies that there is a "II"? somewhere amist?
lordcon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25 January 2012, 10:50 AM   #30
michigander
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Real Name: Terry
Location: Detroit/Socal
Watch: GMT-Master 16700
Posts: 173
Quote:
Originally Posted by lordcon View Post
I find it interesting that the Rolex instruction manual refers to the watch as a "GMT Master I" as opposed to just "GMT Master". The "I" implies that there is a "II"? somewhere amist?
Because the GMT-Master II was sold along side it.

Here's my N (1991)
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_3163.jpg (110.4 KB, 1793 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_9771.jpg (76.0 KB, 1780 views)

Last edited by michigander; 25 January 2012 at 11:07 AM.. Reason: pictures
michigander is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 4 (0 members and 4 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Wrist Aficionado

Asset Appeal

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches

My Watch LLC

OCWatches


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.