GMT-II 16760 Fat Lady

[Lion]

I'm learning about GMT Rolex watches and i have a question that hopefully someone can answer for me!!! What exactly is a Rolex GMT-II 16760 Fat Lady??? When were they made and how are they different??? THANX

[mike]

I'll give it a shot.

Lion, the GMT II reference 16760 was the first GMT to feature what we now call the "jump hour" feature. This allowed the "de-syncing" of the 12 and 24 hour hands allowing the 12 hour hand to move forward or backward in one hour increments.

Prior to this the 12 and 24 hour hands were synced together. In order to read a second timezone the bezel had to be set, reading the second timezone off the bezel via the 24 hour hand or reseting the watch and reading home time of the bezel.

With the "jump-hour" local time could be read off the dial.

The 16760 used a 3085 fast beat movement. Interestingly the reference was not that big a seller during it's run as many felt sharing production with the lower priced 16750 (true quick-set and synced hands) hurt sales.

The reference debuted circa 1983 and left the line around 1987 when the 16710 came in.

Dubbed the "fat-lady" by a German collector, the 16760 used a case a bit thicker and had crown guards that were thicker as well.

Of course all 16760s were born with tritium dials. First run examples--let's say late 83-84 were noted by the legend "OYSTER PERPETUAL" on the dail as opposed to the latter "OYSTER PERPETUAL DATE" found on second gen. dials.

All 16760s came with only the RED/BLACK insert--first time it was used, though of course any insert for the 16710 will fit.

Here's pic of mine (second gen) with the latter 16710. note the case and guards,

[Lion]

Mike, THANX for the info on the Fat Lady I appreciate the history lesson!!! AGAIN THANX!!!

[karmatp]

Great info Mike, well done.

[Bisquitlips]

Very well done Mike! This is a keeper for me!