Rolex GMT Master Two-Tone 'Rootbeer'
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Why We Love it
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Why We Love it
–Why We Love It
Our love for a GMT Master isn't confined to the Pepsi variants so vaunted by Rolex aficionados. In fact, we're pretty much smitten with anything in the GMT family.
Another, less publicized love of ours is two tone. From the simple Datejust to Thunderbirds and particularly GMTs, we think two-tone Rolexes shouldn't just be confined to retired uncles living in Boca Raton.
So what could possibly be more alluring than a two-tone Rolex GMT?
We'll admit, the Rootbeer GMT isn't everyone's style — the brown dial and orange, brown and cream colored bezels aren't iconic (unless you're Clint Eastwood) like the beloved Pepsi, and two-tone hasn't quite gained full-fledged acceptance in enthusiast circles. But that's what we love so much about them.
Collecting vintage is as much about establishing an identity through your watch as it is getting good deals on rare pieces, and what better way to stand out than to don an outsider? Besides, examples like this, with its brown 'nipple' dial that has turned almost crimson, oozes patina, story and character. Give it a shot. You'll be happy you did.
The Story
Of all the watches in Rolex’s catalog, the Rolex GMT Master—with its connection to Pan Am—has the most alluring origin story.
It was Pan American Airlines that approached Rolex with that conundrum, and Rolex came up with the solution--the GMT Master. The pilots of Pan Am adopted the GMT Master as the official wristwatch, and the airline even commissioned a white dial for its ground crew. Other airlines soon followed, making the GMT Master synonymous with aviation. According to Skeet & Uhrl's Vintage Rolex Sports Models, a Rolex advertisement from 1960 stated that the GMT Master was the preferred timepiece of "twenty out of twenty-one aircraft navigators."
In 1960 Rolex released a new reference of GMT Master, the Reference 1675. The 1675 featured crown guards and was powered by the Caliber 1565 movement, and later, the Caliber 1575.
In the 1960s, Rolex made some changes to the model’s distinctive appearance, resulting in a watch that could be seen outside of the cockpit, in the first class of one of Pan Am’s famed international flights.
However, unlike the base model 1675, the Reference 16753 has flashes of gold on the bezel, crown, bracelet, and even on the dial itself. The bezel insert is gold and red-toned instead of the the red-and-blue “Pepsi” configuration most associated with the steel model.
But the most striking feature is the dial, a shimmering deep brown that is positively mesmerizing, giving rise to the nickname “root beer” thanks to its similarity in hue to the fizzy drink. Root beer dialed GMTs are always colorful and interesting, with patination varying on examples as widely as their Pepsi brethren.
A:S Guarantee
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A:S Guarantee
+Our Pledge
Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.
Condition
Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.
Warranty
We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.
International Buyers
Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.
Shipping & Returns
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Shipping & Returns
+All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.
Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.
We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.
Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.
We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.
Rolex GMT Master Two-Tone 'Rootbeer'
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