Rolex GMT Master 16750 Pepsi

Introduced in the mid-1950s for Pan Am pilots, the Rolex GMT-Master was created to help aviators track multiple time zones during the golden age of transatlantic flight. Over the decades, it evolved from a professional tool into one of Rolex’s most iconic and collectible sports watches. The reference 16750, launched in the late 1970s, marked a key transitional step between the early 1675 and the later sapphire-crystal models, blending classic aesthetics with modern performance.

This GMT-Master Ref. 16750, serial 8.2xx.xxx, dates to around 1983, and represents the best of that evolution. It features the upgraded Caliber 3075, offering a higher beat rate and the convenience of a quickset date, while maintaining the vintage charm of a matte tritium dial. The example stands out for its faded “Pepsi” bezel insert, whose once-bold blue and red tones have softened into a beautifully balanced pastel patina — the kind of natural aging that collectors prize.

The tritium “pallettoni” hour markers have aged evenly to a warm yellow hue, perfectly matched by the hands, giving the watch a rich, cohesive vintage character. The case remains sharp and well-preserved, retaining its original proportions and crisp chamfers, while the Oyster bracelet complements its robust, travel-ready design.

In all, this GMT-Master 16750 embodies the perfect blend of functionality, heritage, and aesthetic allure — a reference that bridges eras and continues to capture the imagination of enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.