{"product_id":"rolex-gmt-master-16700-as03183","title":"Rolex GMT Master 16700","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy We Love It\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ePepsi GMT-Masters are, without apology, some of the most desirable and sought after Rolex sport models on the market. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFrom the vintage Reference 1675 to the brand new 126710 BLRO- and everything in between- the demand for the classic 'Pepsi' GMT is at an all-time high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis example, a Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 16700, features a short lived dial configuration featuring elements of both vintage and modern Rolexes. Its gloss black dial - a design language still used today - is highlighted by Tritium filled white gold indices which have just begun to develop a creamy off white tone. In other words, it balances the luxurious glossy finish used today with luminescent material that will continue to develop patina as it ages - something the current models will not do. It is also fitted with the properly vintage 'Pepsi' bezel insert, which offers a gentle contrast between rich blue and softly faded fuchsia coloration . \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFor many collectors, the joy of owning a vintage watch is basking in the rich character and patina that has developed over the lifetime of the watch while also feeling comfortable in regular, non-precious usage. This 16700 sits on the cusp of neo-vintage design with its current -- and future potential -- patina, presenting an opportunity for the true enthusiast to witness the developing that character first hand while offering robust internals and modern usability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIts the kind of watch that- years from now- collectors and enthusiasts alike will look back on and say 'I wish I had known that was the next big thing...\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Story\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the legend goes, Pan-Am approached Rolex in 1953 looking for a watch specially designed for their pilots, and a partnership was quickly formed. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat first reference of GMT-Master, the Reference 6542, was essentially a heavily-modified Turn-O-Graph with the Caliber 1035 movement upgraded to include a 24-hour driving wheel and a 24-hour-hand. The case was modified to include a rotating 24 hour Bakelite bezel in a distinctive blue and red, but lacked the crown guards that would adorn all subsequent references of GMT-Master. But the Reference 6542 was only produced from 1954 to 1960, and was the replaced with what was to become the gold standard of vintage Rolex GMTs- the Reference 1675.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn addition to the GMT's association with Pan Am, the model also has another surprising connection: to NASA. While a Rolex was never flight-tested by NASA for manned space missions, unlike the much-vaunted Omega Speedmaster, Rolexes did in fact make it to space on the wrists of astronauts. Jack Swigert, from the crew of the Apollo 13 mission, credited his Rolex GMT-Master--not his Omega Speedmaster--for allowing him to make life-saving calculations that allowed the astronauts to fly back to Earth after their spacecraft's oxygen tanks ruptured. Another visited the moon in the pocket of Ron Evans' space suit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":28351788253271,"sku":null,"price":9950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/LVA92025.jpeg?v=1558038341","url":"https:\/\/www.analogshift.com\/products\/rolex-gmt-master-16700-as03183","provider":"Analog:Shift","version":"1.0","type":"link"}