The Rolex 16700 GMT Master Pepsi: A Timeless Classic
The Rolex 16700 GMT Master, affectionately known as the "Pepsi" due to its iconic red and blue bezel, is a celebrated model in Rolex’s legendary GMT Master series. Originally designed for international pilots and travelers, the GMT Master is revered for its functionality, precision, and unmistakable aesthetic. The 16700 GMT Master, produced from 1988 to 1999, marked the final generation of the original GMT Master line before the transition to the GMT Master II series.
The Rolex GMT Master was introduced in 1954 in collaboration with Pan Am Airways, at a time when long-distance international flights were becoming increasingly common. Pilots needed a reliable way to track multiple time zones, and Rolex’s solution was the GMT Master, featuring a 24-hour hand and a rotating bezel to display an additional time zone.
The 16700 model, released in 1988, continued the legacy of the original GMT Master but with several technical updates, including enhanced durability and functionality. However, it retained much of the classic design DNA, including the Pepsi bezel that made earlier models so recognizable.
The red and blue bezel of the Rolex 16700 GMT Master Pepsi is one of the most recognizable features in the world of luxury watches. The two-tone color scheme was both practical and symbolic. Red was used to denote daylight hours (6 AM to 6 PM), while blue represented the nighttime (6 PM to 6 AM), making it easy for wearers to track time at a glance. The color scheme also reflects a certain vibrancy and boldness, setting the Pepsi model apart from other luxury timepieces that tend to stick with more conservative palettes.
Over the years, the color of the Pepsi bezel became a defining characteristic of the GMT Master line, and collectors sought this model as a hallmark of the brand’s craftsmanship.
Key Features of the 16700
Movement: The Rolex 16700 houses the Rolex Caliber 3175 movement, an automatic movement offering reliable performance and precision. Unlike the GMT Master II models, the 16700 did not feature an independently adjustable 24-hour hand, meaning users could not set the second time zone independently of the local time. However, this made it a simpler, more straightforward timepiece.
Case and Materials: The 16700 features a 40mm stainless steel case, a material renowned for its durability and corrosion resistance. Its classic Oyster case, with a screw-down crown, ensures the watch is water-resistant to a depth of 100 meters (330 feet).
Crystal: It was equipped with a sapphire crystal, offering excellent scratch resistance. This was a modern upgrade, as older models used acrylic crystals, which were more prone to scratches and wear.
Dial: The dial of the 16700 remains uncluttered and legible, with luminous markers that improve visibility in low light conditions. It also features the iconic Mercedes hands (the hour hand with a circle near the end), further establishing its identity as a tool watch.
Bracelet: The 16700 came with Rolex’s famous Oyster bracelet, a robust and comfortable option, adding to the overall versatility of the watch. Some models were also offered with the Jubilee bracelet, a more refined alternative.
The production of the 16700 ended in 1999, as Rolex shifted its focus toward the GMT Master II line. The GMT Master II offered enhanced functionality, including an independently adjustable hour hand, allowing users to track a third time zone by using the 24-hour hand and bezel. Despite this innovation, the simplicity and vintage charm of the 16700 remained attractive to collectors and Rolex enthusiasts.
The Rolex 16700 GMT Master Pepsi has become a highly sought-after model, especially as vintage and neo-vintage timepieces have gained popularity in recent years. Its relatively short production run, combined with the fact that it was the last of the original GMT Master series, gives it a special place in Rolex history. Moreover, the Pepsi bezel, while featured on other models, maintains its iconic status with the 16700.