Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1988 Reference No: 16760 Movement No: 2'102'621 Case No: R'434'190 Model Name: GMT-Master "Fat Lady" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3085, 27 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 185mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex Guarantee, product literature, hang tags, leather wallet, stainless steel sticker, presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Introduced in 1983, reference 16760 was an important landmark model for Rolex. The very first GMT-Master II model, it featured an upgraded sapphire crystal and white gold index borders. Furthermore, it was the very first GMT-Master to display a black/red bezel, which is now affectionately known as the "Coke". Other advancements were the newly-created caliber 3085, which enabled the wearer to adjust the GMT hand independently.
Reference 16760 is also dubbed the “Fat Lady” or “Sophia Loren”, the name comes from the elegant curves of its generously enhanced proportions, an ingenious feature to house the all-new movement inside.
The example, offered in extremely well-preserved condition displays crisp bevels and robust proportions. It is complete with its original guarantee stating the watch was sold at Merksamer Jewelers, product literature and fitted presentation box.
Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.
Ref. 16760 A highly rare, attractive and well-preserved stainless steel dual time wristwatch with center seconds, date, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box
Circa 1988 40mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed