Rolex - Racing Pulse New York Saturday, December 12, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 2007
    Reference No: 16710
    Case No: M350529
    Model Name: GMT-Master II
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3186, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max overall length 210m
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex International Guarantee stamped Jacquot, Strasbourg, and dated January 2008, green leather Rolex presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex GMT-Master II revolutionized the original GMT-Master that was in production since 1954. The model was fitted with a new calibre that allowed the user to quickly adjust the hour hand forward or backwards in one hour jumps. When the hour is adjusted, the minute hand continues to run, which increases the efficiency of the watch and its accuracy. The first GMT-Master II was the reference 16760 launched in 1983. Also known as “the Fat Lady” due to its thick case, it was replaced in 1989 by the present reference 16710 sporting a slimmer case. The reference was available with three bezel variations: the Coke bezel (black and red), the All Black bezel, and the most sought after “Pepsi” blue and red bezel, like the present example.

    The present reference 16710 is one of the rarest of all GMT-Master II models due to several elements. A transitional model that preceded the use of ceramic bezels for the GMT Master II line, it’s fitted with what’s known as an “error dial”, or “stick” dial, and at the same time, features an upgraded caliber 3186 movement. The nickname “error dial” comes from a slight change in the script signature, with the “II” in the GMT-Master II text at 6 o’clock lacking the top and bottom horizontal lines for the Roman numeral “II” as was most often used. The caliber 3186 was an upgraded caliber with a Parachrom hairspring, and while it was for use in the new model GMT-Master 116710, these calibers were also found on late examples of the 16710 M series.

    The present M series reference 16710 remains new and absolutely unused with full factory stickers remaining on the case and bracelet. It is especially attractive with its pristine case, rare “error” dial, caliber 3186 movement, and original red and blue “Pepsi” bezel—a complete watch for the connoisseur who seeks an uncommon and rare modern sports watch.

    Consigned by the Original Owner

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    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.

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Ref. 16710
A rare, new old stock, and exceptional stainless steel dual time wristwatch with rare dial type, bracelet, original guarantee and presentation box

Circa 2007
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
$8,000 - 16,000 
CHF7,300-14,600
€6,700-13,400
HK$62,000-124,000

Sold for $35,280

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas & International Strategy Advisor
Senior Vice President
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

Racing Pulse

New York Auction 12 December 2020