Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 2010 Reference No: 116748SARU Movement No: 1’273’111 Case No: Z384554; interior stamped 2348 Model Name: GMT-Master II “SARU” Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3186, 31 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, max overall length 195mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp, numbered 15/423, stamped OP5 Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed. Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex service guarantee card, warranty booklet, leather wallet, fitted presentation box, and outer box.
Catalogue Essay
For Rolex, experimentation with gem-set sports watches in the 1980s gave way to a more expansive offerings of gem-set pieces in the 21st century. Though this decadent treatment is mostly identified with the Cosmograph Daytona, the Submariner and the GMT-Master have not escaped such luxurious livery.
Following in the footsteps of the reference 16758, the first Rolex sports wristwatch to be fitted with precious stones – notably, the ruby, sapphire, and diamond-set bezel reflecting the identifiable “Pepsi” bezel of the stainless steel variant. The updated case and movement that was introduced with the 116748 continued to be called “SARU”, and was made available in yellow, pink, and white gold. Now discontinued, the present, well-preserved example is offered with minimal signs of wear with vibrant and internally flawless sapphires and rubies on its bezel, accompanied by a service card and 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. 116748SARU A stunning and well-preserved yellow gold and gem-set dual time wristwatch with center seconds, date, bracelet, service card, and presentation box
Circa 2010 40mm Diameter Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.
