Rolex GMT Master Ref. 16700

Rolex GMT Master Ref. 16700

The original GMT, the Pepsi bezel, the right size — and papers to match.

The GMT-Master 16700 occupies a particular place in Rolex history. Developed in the 1950s for Pan Am pilots crossing time zones, it was the first Rolex built explicitly for a second timezone — functional, precise, and immediately iconic. The 16700 was the last generation of the original GMT-Master before Rolex moved the catalogue fully to the GMT-Master II, and it carries everything that made the reference great: a 40mm case, the aluminium Pepsi bezel in red and blue, and a clean, no-nonsense dial. Not flashy. Not oversized. Just right.

This example dates to 1996 — confirmed by its T-serial — and was serviced at the official Rolex AD in Brussels in 2024, coming back in excellent mechanical condition. It comes with its original box, two original booklets, a 1997–98 Rolex calendar, hang tag, and Rolex service card. For a neo-vintage piece of this age, that level of documentation is appreciated.

Condition is very good throughout. This is a watch that wears better than its age suggests — sporty enough for daily use, composed enough for any occasion, and interesting enough to hold a room without trying.

Why we selected it

The Pepsi GMT-Master has been part of the Rolex story for decades — a true classic, not a trend. Rolex recently discontinued the steel Pepsi, which only sharpened what collectors already knew: this combination of colours, case size, and character is irreplaceable. Personally, I prefer the 40mm format. Less imposing, less flashy — but still unmistakably sporty. The 5-digit GMT-Master sits in a sweet spot between vintage soul and modern reliability, with a classic & great movement. Classic and contemporary at once, and now impossible to buy new.