The Rolex G.M.T. Master & G.M.T Master II

Rolex GMT Master Root BeerThe Rolex GMT Master was first produced in 1954 and was named after Greenwich Mean Time, the world’s standard time. The first Rolex GMT Master was produced under reference number 6542. Rolex has always been known for specialty watches and the GMT Master was designed with pilots in mind. The first Rolex GMT Master was actually just a heavily modified version of the turn-o-graph. This allowed pilots to keep track of multiple time zones quick and easily thanks to the luminous Bakelite bezel insert. Unfortunately as useful as the bezel was, it would crack easily and it would eventually be replaced with a metal bezel in 1956.The bezel was marked with 24 hour markers and by a simple turn of the bezel, the pilot could keep track of the difference in time zones as they flew. For example if pilot was traveling from the east coast to central time zone they could move the dial over 2 hours and there was the correct time. When traveling through multiple time zones in a day it was important for the pilot to keep track of the correct time. 

While useful for pilots the G.M.T. Master is still a favorite among Rolex collectors due to the combination of bezel colors. The most popular combinations being the “Pepsi” (blue and red), the “Batman” (black and blue), the “Root Beer”  or ” Mocha” (brown and gold), & the “Coca Cola” (red and black).

Note from the Owner:

We are putting this page together to build a good resource for fans of the Rolex G.M.T Masters. While we try our best to put as much information into this resource as possible we are human and do make mistakes from time to time. If you notice a discrepancy or have a suggestion on something we should add to this page please use the contact form below or give us a call. We would love to hear from you. We want to make this the best resource for Rolex G.M.T Masters and G.M.T. Master II. 

Rolex G.M.T. Master

Rolex G.M.T. Master 6542 Bakelite Bezel
Rolex G.M.T. Master Model #6542

Rolex G.M.T. Master 6542 

When it comes to GMT Master’s the most desirable is the ref. 6542, with the original Bakelite bezel. The 6542 is the very first Rolex G.M.T. Master ever produced. Designed for Pan-Am pilots, the GMT Master became the choice among pilots when it comes to two-timezone watches. What sets the 6542  apart from later versions of this model is the Bakelite bezel. The luminous numerals on the bezel are actually filled in with Radium.  The problem however with the Bakelite bezels was they were very fragile and would later be replaced with a metal bezel. Because of this, the models that still have the original Bakelite bezel are highly sought after and bring a great premium. As these watches aged the bezel and dial faded to beautiful, even discoloration of both the dial and the bezel in a deep terracotta tone. When faded the color was similar to the Root Beer GMT Master,though some have more of a red tone in the dial. 

Caliber 1030 Automatic Movement 25 Jewel

38mm Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel Oyster Band

Bakelite “red & blue” Bezel, Black Dial, Mercedes Hands

50 Meters / 165 Feet

1954-1959

Rolex G.M.T. Master 1675
Rolex G.M.T. Master 1675

Rolex G.M.T. Master 1675

“The Pepsi”

The Rolex G.M.T. Master 1675 was the second model of G.M.T.s produced. This was the first model that included crown guards. It also featured the aluminum red & blue bezel giving this watch its’ nickname “The Pepsi”. This model was available in stainless steel, 2 tone stainless and 18k gold and all 18k gold versions. They were also available with your choice of oyster, jubilee or leather strap band styles. This model also had a new dial inscription that read “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified.”

Caliber 1565 Automatic Movement 25 Jewel until 1964

Caliber 1567 Automatic Movement 25 jewel from 1964 to 1980

38mm Stainless Steel,  Steel & 18K yellow gold, 18K Yellow Gold

Stainless Steel Oyster Band, 2 tone jubilee band or leather strap

Red & Blue Bezel, Black Dial, Mercedes Hands

50 Meters / 165 Feet

1959-1980

Rolex G.M.T. Master 16750
Rolex G.M.T. Master 16750

Rolex G.M.T. Master 16750

The Rolex GMT Master 16750 featured a new movement and glossy dials. Rolex started using the caliber 3075 movement, which featured a quick-set date. This model was in production till 1988 making it it a  highly sought-after model of the GMT-Master series. While the 16750 looks almost exactly the same the changes where made on the inside of the watch. It has three specific technical upgrades when compared to the 1675. First, the model  used of the new 3075 caliber, which runs at a higher beat of 28,800 bph. So, we have a gain in accuracy and a more robust and modern movement  Additionally the 16750 added a quick set date function. Lastly Rolex upgraded  the gasket employment and the 16750 was rated to 100M of water resistance compared to 50M on the 1675.

Caliber 3075 Automatic Movement 27 Jewel

38mm Stainless Steel, 

Stainless Steel Oyster Band

Red & Blue Bezel, Black Dial, Mercedes Hands

100 Meters / 330 Feet

1981-1988

Rolex G.M.T. Master 16700

The Rolex G.M.T. Master model 16700 began production in 1989. During this time Rolex also released the G.M.T. Master II. The difference in the two being the 16700 was a lower price point but offered the same look as the new G.M.T. Master II. The 16700 included the hacking feature and quickset function. The hacking function allowed the wearer to pull out the crown and stop the second hand for a more accurate time setting. The quickset function allowed the wearer to set the date without having to pass the 12 marker over and over to get to the right date. The one downfall was the movement in this model only allowed the ability to track two time zones unlike the newer G.M.T. Master II which allowed the wearer to track three time zones.

Caliber 3175 Automatic Movement 31 Jewel

38mm Stainless Steel, 

Stainless Steel Oyster Band

Red & Black bezel, Black Bezel or Red and Blue Bezel.

 Black Dial

 Mercedes Hands

100 Meters / 330 Feet

1989-2001

The Rolex G.M.T. Master II

The Rolex G.M.T. Master 16760

“The Fat Lady” or “Sophia Loren”

The Rolex G.M.T. Master II 16760 was the first production of the G.M.T. Master II. While it was designed as the replacement to the original G.M.T. Master the 16700 “The G.M.T. Master” and the 16760 “The G.M.T. Master II” were in production at the same time. Known as “The Fat Lady” or the “Sophia Loren” it used a larger curvy case in order to house the larger 3085 movement. The newest upgrade to this model was the hour hands were independent from the second hand and allowed the wearer to track 3 times zones instead of just 2. Due to the short production run the 16760 is one of the most popular G.M.T. model among Rolex collectors.   

Caliber 3185 Automatic Movement 31 Jewel

38mm Stainless Steel, 

Stainless Steel Oyster Band

Red & Black bezel “Coca Cola”, Black Bezel or Red and Blue Bezel “Pepsi”.

 Black Dial

 Mercedes Hands

100 Meters / 330 Feet

1983-1988

Rolex G.M.T. Master II 16710

The Rolex G.M.T. Master II 16710 replaced the 16760 “The Fat Lady” in 1989 and was in production until 2007. This model featured a slimmer case while keeping all the new features of the G.M.T. Master II. The movement caliber 3185 is fitted with a 31 jewel 28,800 vibrations per hour, automatic  self winding movement. The independent hour hand was still available and the addition of  50 power reserve, make it even more unique. Reliability was the most important feature of the G.M.T. Master II. After all this was a watch designed for pilots and reliability was #1. 

Caliber 3185 Automatic Movement 31 Jewel

38mm Stainless Steel, 

Stainless Steel Oyster Band

Red & Black bezel “Coca Cols”, Black Bezel or Red and Blue Bezel “Pepsi”.

 Black Dial

 Mercedes Hands

100 Meters / 330 Feet

1989-2007

Rolex G.M.T. Master II 116710

The Rolex G.M.T. Master II model 116710 is the current model for the G.M.T. Master II. When the 116710 was released it was available with two new bezels. The Black and Blue “The Batman” and the light and dark brown “Root Beer”. They of course kept the classic Blue and Red “Pepsi” the Red and Black “Coca Cola” and the simple all black version. Besides the changes to the bezel they also offered new case and band combinations. You could now get the G.M.T. Master II in 2 toned 18K gold and stainless as well as a full 18K gold version. These changes helped to fill the gap between the G.M.T. and the Submariner as far as options. While very similar in looks these 2 models had vastly different uses as one is designed for pilots (The G.M.T. II) and one designed for diving “The Submariner”. Before this model if you wanted a 2 toned Rolex sports model you were forced to get the Submariner. 

Caliber 3186 Automatic Movement 31Jewel

38mm Stainless Steel, 

Stainless Steel Oyster Band

Blue and Black “Batman” Red & Black bezel “Coca Cola”, Black Bezel light brown and dark brown “The Root Beer” or Red and Blue Bezel “Pepsi”.

 Black Dial

 Mercedes Hands

100 Meters / 330 Feet

2007-current