Reference:16700 - Revision history

Admin: Resize hero: 280px -> 250px

2026-04-30T04:21:24Z

Resize hero: 280px -> 250px

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:21, 30 April 2026
Line 18:		Line 18:
	<span id="core-facts"></span>		<span id="core-facts"></span>

	[[File:Ref 16700 pepsi-bobs.webp\|thumb\|right\|~~280px~~\|alt=Late Pepsi 16700\|Late Pepsi 16700]]		[[File:Ref 16700 pepsi-bobs.webp\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=Late Pepsi 16700\|Late Pepsi 16700]]

	== Core facts ==		== Core facts ==

Admin: Audit: clean stranded dealer-name residue (& Sons, Bulang & Sons, Gray & Sons)

2026-04-29T22:50:00Z

Audit: clean stranded dealer-name residue (& Sons, Bulang & Sons, Gray & Sons)

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:50, 29 April 2026
Line 112:		Line 112:
	=== Tritium to Luminova / Super-LumiNova transition ===		=== Tritium to Luminova / Super-LumiNova transition ===

	The lume transition runs from tritium ("SWISS T<25") to approximately 1997, then post-tritium luminescent compound thereafter. Two readings of the post-tritium compound surface in the literature: Sotheby's~~, Gray & Sons~~, and WatchBase read 1997 as the Luminova start, with Super-LumiNova following on later examples; Monochrome skips the Luminova step and has the watch move straight from tritium to Super-LumiNova in 1997. Both readings are in print from credible sources; neither has been overturned. Some Luminova examples carried over T<25-marked dial stock during the changeover.		The lume transition runs from tritium ("SWISS T<25") to approximately 1997, then post-tritium luminescent compound thereafter. Two readings of the post-tritium compound surface in the literature: Sotheby's, and WatchBase read 1997 as the Luminova start, with Super-LumiNova following on later examples; Monochrome skips the Luminova step and has the watch move straight from tritium to Super-LumiNova in 1997. Both readings are in print from credible sources; neither has been overturned. Some Luminova examples carried over T<25-marked dial stock during the changeover.

	For a late non-tritium 16700, the defensible collector position is "post-tritium luminescent" with a close look at the dial foot and lume colour. Buyers who want the question closed usually restrict themselves to early-1997 or earlier tritium dials, where both references agree.		For a late non-tritium 16700, the defensible collector position is "post-tritium luminescent" with a close look at the dial foot and lume colour. Buyers who want the question closed usually restrict themselves to early-1997 or earlier tritium dials, where both references agree.
Line 189:		Line 189:
	* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-gmt-master-ref-16700-pepsi.html Rolex GMT-Master Ref 16700 Pepsi]		* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-gmt-master-ref-16700-pepsi.html Rolex GMT-Master Ref 16700 Pepsi]
	* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-gmt-master-ref-16700-black-dial.html Rolex GMT-Master Ref 16700 Black Glossy Dial]		* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-gmt-master-ref-16700-black-dial.html Rolex GMT-Master Ref 16700 Black Glossy Dial]
	* [https://bulangandsons.com/products/rolex-gmt-master-16700-tritium-dial-with-box-and-booklets-w2094 Rolex GMT-Master 16700 1990 tritium dial with box and booklets] ~~(& Sons)~~		* [https://bulangandsons.com/products/rolex-gmt-master-16700-tritium-dial-with-box-and-booklets-w2094 Rolex GMT-Master 16700 1990 tritium dial with box and booklets]
	* [https://www.windvintage.com/rolex-gmtmaster-reference-16700-w-black-insert Rolex GMT-Master Reference 16700 with Black Insert] (Wind Vintage)		* [https://www.windvintage.com/rolex-gmtmaster-reference-16700-w-black-insert Rolex GMT-Master Reference 16700 with Black Insert] (Wind Vintage)
	* [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/25956/lot/4/ Rolex GMT-Master Reference 16700 — Bonhams Lot 4] (Bonhams, 2020)		* [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/25956/lot/4/ Rolex GMT-Master Reference 16700 — Bonhams Lot 4] (Bonhams, 2020)

Admin: Audit: strip banned dealer names from prose lists per CLAUDE.md hard rule #5

2026-04-29T22:47:30Z

Audit: strip banned dealer names from prose lists per CLAUDE.md hard rule #5

Admin: Text audit: voice, clarity, source links

2026-04-29T21:45:04Z

Text audit: voice, clarity, source links

Admin: Audit: strip research-scaffold corpus tokens (surveyed corpus, auction-house corpus, consulted source) — reader-facing rephrase

2026-04-29T21:43:53Z

Audit: strip research-scaffold corpus tokens (surveyed corpus, auction-house corpus, consulted source) — reader-facing rephrase

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:43, 29 April 2026
Line 82:		Line 82:
	== Production outline ==		== Production outline ==

	Production began in 1988 — unanimous across every ~~consulted~~ source. The end year is contested: Sotheby's complete GMT-Master guide, the Sotheby's Pepsi key-references guide, Bonhams Lot 4 (Aug 2020), Fratello, WatchBase, specialist sources, Bob's Watches, Gray & Sons, and Everest Bands all converge on 1999. The Vintage Rolex Field Manual closes the run at 1998 — minority view. Late examples in the market circulate as "1998" or "1999" depending on papers dates rather than any agreed cutoff.		Production began in 1988 — unanimous across every documented source. The end year is contested: Sotheby's complete GMT-Master guide, the Sotheby's Pepsi key-references guide, Bonhams Lot 4 (Aug 2020), Fratello, WatchBase, specialist sources, Bob's Watches, Gray & Sons, and Everest Bands all converge on 1999. The Vintage Rolex Field Manual closes the run at 1998 — minority view. Late examples in the market circulate as "1998" or "1999" depending on papers dates rather than any agreed cutoff.

	Total production output is not published in any ~~consulted~~ source. Bonhams reads the 16700 as "notably fewer units produced than its counterpart [the 16710]"; Sotheby's says "smaller quantities despite its decade-long run"; Specialist coverage positions it as the affordable steel-only alternative to the 16710 throughout production. The 16700 is directionally rarer than the 16710, with no number to attach.		Total production output is not published in any published source. Bonhams reads the 16700 as "notably fewer units produced than its counterpart [the 16710]"; Sotheby's says "smaller quantities despite its decade-long run"; Specialist coverage positions it as the affordable steel-only alternative to the 16710 throughout production. The 16700 is directionally rarer than the 16710, with no number to attach.

	<span id="movement-notes"></span>		<span id="movement-notes"></span>

Admin: Round-2 scrub: strip remaining hammer/auction-price wording from body prose. Auction record stays in dedicated section.

2026-04-29T15:30:14Z

Round-2 scrub: strip remaining hammer/auction-price wording from body prose. Auction record stays in dedicated section.

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:30, 29 April 2026
Line 144:		Line 144:
	A 50-piece special edition of the 16700 was produced in 1997 by The Real McCoy's (the Japanese vintage-clothing reissue brand) with caseback engraving "General Chuck Yeager, Bell X-1, October 14th 1947, [n]/50, The Real McCoy's." The reference commemorates Yeager's October 1947 supersonic flight in the Bell X-1. Three independent auction-house lots document the branch:		A 50-piece special edition of the 16700 was produced in 1997 by The Real McCoy's (the Japanese vintage-clothing reissue brand) with caseback engraving "General Chuck Yeager, Bell X-1, October 14th 1947, [n]/50, The Real McCoy's." The reference commemorates Yeager's October 1947 supersonic flight in the Bell X-1. Three independent auction-house lots document the branch:

	* Bonhams Lot 969 (24 November 2018) — No. 14/50, case U443556, full set, ~~hammer HK$ 106,250~~ incl. premium.		* Bonhams Lot 969 (24 November 2018) — No. 14/50, case U443556, full set, incl. premium.
	* Phillips Hong Kong XI Lot 862 (28 November 2020) — No. 21/50, case U453541, est. HK$ 120,000–250,000.		* Phillips Hong Kong XI Lot 862 (28 November 2020) — No. 21/50, case U453541, est. HK$ 120,000–250,000.
	* Sotheby's Hong Kong Important Watches 2019 Lot 2023 — c.1999, case A245609, est. HK$ 160,000–320,000.		* Sotheby's Hong Kong Important Watches 2019 Lot 2023 — c.1999, case A245609, est. HK$ 160,000–320,000.

Admin: Trim dealer/source name-drops in prose per CLAUDE.md hard rule #5 + user feedback. Strip "Bob's, SwissWatchExpo, HQ Milton, Wind Vintage, Hairspring, Bulang, Tropical Watch, Loupe This, Vintage Gold Watches, Craft and Tailored, OBW Collection, Wound For Life, Lange Dyk, Everest Bands, Gray & Sons, Bernard Watch, Exquisite Timepieces, Doc Watches, davidsw, drsd, Watchprosite, Wrist Icons, Goldammer, Mauri DeAngelis, etc." from prose body. Keep facts. Source list at bottom unchanged.

2026-04-29T13:38:20Z

Trim dealer/source name-drops in prose per CLAUDE.md hard rule #5 + user feedback. Strip "Bob's, SwissWatchExpo, HQ Milton, Wind Vintage, Hairspring, Bulang, Tropical Watch, Loupe This, Vintage Gold Watches, Craft and Tailored, OBW Collection, Wound For Life, Lange Dyk, Everest Bands, Gray & Sons, Bernard Watch, Exquisite Timepieces, Doc Watches, davidsw, drsd, Watchprosite, Wrist Icons, Goldammer, Mauri DeAngelis, etc." from prose body. Keep facts. Source list at bottom unchanged.

Admin: 16700: rebuild from external research scout (18 sources, 7-lot auction record). Production 1988-1999 (Sotheby/Bonhams/Fratello/WatchBase/Lange Dyk/Bob/Gray/Everest consensus); VRFM 1998 minority. Cal 3175: 31j, 28,800 vph, 48hr, hack, quickset, 5pos+temp, COSC, Glucydur+Microstella, Breguet hairspring, Kif shock; one-reference-only caliber (1988-1999). Caller vs flyer GMT distinction: 16700 caller, 16760/16710 flyer. Sotheby collector guide line "independently adjustable flying GMT hand" on 1...

2026-04-29T06:59:05Z

16700: rebuild from external research scout (18 sources, 7-lot auction record). Production 1988-1999 (Sotheby/Bonhams/Fratello/WatchBase/Lange Dyk/Bob/Gray/Everest consensus); VRFM 1998 minority. Cal 3175: 31j, 28,800 vph, 48hr, hack, quickset, 5pos+temp, COSC, Glucydur+Microstella, Breguet hairspring, Kif shock; one-reference-only caliber (1988-1999). Caller vs flyer GMT distinction: 16700 caller, 16760/16710 flyer. Sotheby collector guide line "independently adjustable flying GMT hand" on 1...

Show changes

Admin: SEO: og:image + image_alt + og_type + timestamps

2026-04-29T03:20:24Z

SEO: og:image + image_alt + og_type + timestamps

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:20, 29 April 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{#seo:		{{#seo:
	\|title=Rolex GMT-Master ~~16700~~ — BezelBase		\|title=Rolex 16700 GMT-Master — Production, Dial Variants, Serial Ranges \| BezelBase
	\|description=The `16700` is the last GMT-Master, which is exactly why it matters. It keeps the older linked-hand GMT-Master operating logic while running well into the…		\|description=The `16700` is the last GMT-Master, which is exactly why it matters. It keeps the older linked-hand GMT-Master operating logic while running well into the…
	\|keywords=Rolex, 16700, GMT-Master, specifications, reference guide		\|keywords=Rolex, 16700, GMT-Master, specifications, reference guide
Line 8:		Line 8:
	\|og_type=article		\|og_type=article
	\|published_time=2026-04-18T03:22:07Z		\|published_time=2026-04-18T03:22:07Z
	\|modified_time=2026-04-29T02:33:~~41Z~~		\|modified_time=2026-04-29T02:47:47Z
	\|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large		\|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
	}}		}}

Admin: SEO: og:image + image_alt + og_type + timestamps

2026-04-29T02:47:47Z

SEO: og:image + image_alt + og_type + timestamps

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:47, 29 April 2026
Line 8:		Line 8:
	\|og_type=article		\|og_type=article
	\|published_time=2026-04-18T03:22:07Z		\|published_time=2026-04-18T03:22:07Z
	\|modified_time=2026-04-~~27T04~~:52:~~10Z~~		\|modified_time=2026-04-29T02:33:41Z
	\|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large		\|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
	}}		}}

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:47, 29 April 2026
Line 34:		Line 34:
	\|-		\|-
	\| production		\| production
	\| 1988 to 1999 (Sotheby's, Bonhams, Fratello~~, WatchBase, Lange Dyk, Bob's, Gray & Sons, Everest~~ consensus); Vintage Rolex Field Manual reads 1988 to 1998 — minority view		\| 1988 to 1999 (Sotheby's, Bonhams, Fratello consensus); Vintage Rolex Field Manual reads 1988 to 1998 — minority view
	\|-		\|-
	\| total examples		\| total examples
Line 55:		Line 55:
	\|-		\|-
	\| bezel		\| bezel
	\| bidirectional 24-hour aluminium insert. Pepsi (red/blue) and all-black are the only factory configurations. Coke (red/black) on a 16700 is not factory — aftermarket or service swap		\| bidirectional 24-hour aluminium insert. Pepsi (red/blue) and all-black are the only factory configurations. Coke (red/black) on a 16700 is not factory — aftermarket or service swap
	\|-		\|-
	\| bracelet		\| bracelet
Line 112:		Line 112:
	=== Tritium to Luminova / Super-LumiNova transition ===		=== Tritium to Luminova / Super-LumiNova transition ===

	The lume transition runs from tritium ("SWISS T<25") to approximately 1997, then post-tritium luminescent compound thereafter. Two readings of the post-tritium compound surface in the literature: ~~Bob's,~~ Sotheby's, Gray & Sons, and WatchBase read 1997 as the Luminova start, with Super-LumiNova following on later examples; Monochrome skips the Luminova step and has the watch move straight from tritium to Super-LumiNova in 1997. Both readings are in print from credible sources; neither has been overturned. Some Luminova examples carried over T<25-marked dial stock during the changeover.		The lume transition runs from tritium ("SWISS T<25") to approximately 1997, then post-tritium luminescent compound thereafter. Two readings of the post-tritium compound surface in the literature: Sotheby's, Gray & Sons, and WatchBase read 1997 as the Luminova start, with Super-LumiNova following on later examples; Monochrome skips the Luminova step and has the watch move straight from tritium to Super-LumiNova in 1997. Both readings are in print from credible sources; neither has been overturned. Some Luminova examples carried over T<25-marked dial stock during the changeover.

	For a late non-tritium 16700, the defensible collector position is "post-tritium luminescent" with a close look at the dial foot and lume colour. Buyers who want the question closed usually restrict themselves to early-1997 or earlier tritium dials, where both references agree.		For a late non-tritium 16700, the defensible collector position is "post-tritium luminescent" with a close look at the dial foot and lume colour. Buyers who want the question closed usually restrict themselves to early-1997 or earlier tritium dials, where both references agree.
Line 180:		Line 180:
	* [https://monochrome-watches.com/history-rolex-gmt-master-and-gmt-master-ii-1955-2024-iconic-traveller-watch-in-depth-review/ In-Depth: The History of the Rolex GMT-Master and GMT-Master II] (Monochrome)		* [https://monochrome-watches.com/history-rolex-gmt-master-and-gmt-master-ii-1955-2024-iconic-traveller-watch-in-depth-review/ In-Depth: The History of the Rolex GMT-Master and GMT-Master II] (Monochrome)
	* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/wrist-game-or-crying-shame-rolex-gmt-master-16700/ Wrist Game or Crying Shame: Rolex GMT-Master 16700] (Fratello)		* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/wrist-game-or-crying-shame-rolex-gmt-master-16700/ Wrist Game or Crying Shame: Rolex GMT-Master 16700] (Fratello)
	* [https://langedykvintagewatches.com/articles/rolex-gmt-master-16700/ Rolex GMT-Master 16700 vs 16710] (~~Lange Dyk~~ Vintage)		* [https://langedykvintagewatches.com/articles/rolex-gmt-master-16700/ Rolex GMT-Master 16700 vs 16710] (Vintage)
	* [https://millenarywatches.com/rolex-caliber-3175/ Rolex Caliber 3175 reference guide] (Millenary Watches)		* [https://millenarywatches.com/rolex-caliber-3175/ Rolex Caliber 3175 reference guide] (Millenary Watches)
	* [https://www.everestbands.com/blogs/bezel-barrel/gmt-16700-the-solution-before-smart-phones GMT 16700: Solution Before Smart Phones] (~~Everest~~ Bands)		* [https://www.everestbands.com/blogs/bezel-barrel/gmt-16700-the-solution-before-smart-phones GMT 16700: Solution Before Smart Phones] (Bands)
	* [https://www.swisswatchexpo.com/thewatchclub/2023/10/03/rolex-gmt-master-16700-vs-gmt-master-ii-16710/ Rolex GMT-Master 16700 vs GMT-Master II 16710] ~~(SwissWatchExpo)~~		* [https://www.swisswatchexpo.com/thewatchclub/2023/10/03/rolex-gmt-master-16700-vs-gmt-master-ii-16710/ Rolex GMT-Master 16700 vs GMT-Master II 16710]
	* [https://www.grayandsons.com/blog/5-things-to-know-about-the-gmt-master-16700/ 5 Things to Know About the GMT-Master 16700] ~~(Gray & Sons)~~		* [https://www.grayandsons.com/blog/5-things-to-know-about-the-gmt-master-16700/ 5 Things to Know About the GMT-Master 16700]
	* [https://watchbase.com/rolex/gmt-master/16700-0001 Rolex GMT-Master 16700-0001] ~~(WatchBase)~~		* [https://watchbase.com/rolex/gmt-master/16700-0001 Rolex GMT-Master 16700-0001]
	* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/watch-review/vintage-week-gmt-master-ref-16700.html Vintage Week: GMT-Master Ref. 16700 Ultimate Guide] ~~(Bob's Watches)~~		* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/watch-review/vintage-week-gmt-master-ref-16700.html Vintage Week: GMT-Master Ref. 16700 Ultimate Guide]
	* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-gmt-master-ref-16700-pepsi.html Rolex GMT-Master Ref 16700 Pepsi] ~~(Bob's Watches)~~		* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-gmt-master-ref-16700-pepsi.html Rolex GMT-Master Ref 16700 Pepsi]
	* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-gmt-master-ref-16700-black-dial.html Rolex GMT-Master Ref 16700 Black Glossy Dial] ~~(Bob's Watches)~~		* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-gmt-master-ref-16700-black-dial.html Rolex GMT-Master Ref 16700 Black Glossy Dial]
	* [https://bulangandsons.com/products/rolex-gmt-master-16700-tritium-dial-with-box-and-booklets-w2094 Rolex GMT-Master 16700 1990 tritium dial with box and booklets] (~~Bulang~~ & Sons)		* [https://bulangandsons.com/products/rolex-gmt-master-16700-tritium-dial-with-box-and-booklets-w2094 Rolex GMT-Master 16700 1990 tritium dial with box and booklets] (& Sons)
	* [https://www.windvintage.com/rolex-gmtmaster-reference-16700-w-black-insert Rolex GMT-Master Reference 16700 with Black Insert] (Wind Vintage)		* [https://www.windvintage.com/rolex-gmtmaster-reference-16700-w-black-insert Rolex GMT-Master Reference 16700 with Black Insert] (Wind Vintage)
	* [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/25956/lot/4/ Rolex GMT-Master Reference 16700 — Bonhams Lot 4] (Bonhams, 2020)		* [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/25956/lot/4/ Rolex GMT-Master Reference 16700 — Bonhams Lot 4] (Bonhams, 2020)

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:45, 29 April 2026
Line 14:		Line 14:
	<small>[[Reference:gmt-master\|GMT-Master]] -> '''16700'''</small>		<small>[[Reference:gmt-master\|GMT-Master]] -> '''16700'''</small>

	The [[Reference:16700\|16700]] is the last classic GMT-Master — the final reference with the synchronized "caller" 24-hour hand. Production ran 1988 to 1999 across the dominant editorial reading ~~(Sotheby's, Bonhams, Fratello, WatchBase, Lange Dyk, Bob's, Gray & Sons, Everest)~~; the Vintage Rolex Field Manual closes the run at 1998 — minority view. Caliber 3175 is exclusive to this reference: 31 jewels, 28,800 vph, 48-hour reserve, hacking, quickset, adjusted to 5 positions and temperature, COSC. The 16700 ran in parallel with the GMT-Master II 16710 (1989–2007) for a decade. The Chuck Yeager / Real McCoy's 50-piece special edition (1997, caseback engraved "General Chuck Yeager, Bell X-1, October 14th 1947") is the principal collector branch.		The [[Reference:16700\|16700]] is the last classic GMT-Master — the final reference with the synchronized "caller" 24-hour hand. Production ran 1988 to 1999 across the dominant editorial reading; the Vintage Rolex Field Manual closes the run at 1998 — minority view. Caliber 3175 is exclusive to this reference: 31 jewels, 28,800 vph, 48-hour reserve, hacking, quickset, adjusted to 5 positions and temperature, COSC. The 16700 ran in parallel with the GMT-Master II 16710 (1989–2007) for a decade. The Chuck Yeager / Real McCoy's 50-piece special edition (1997, caseback engraved "General Chuck Yeager, Bell X-1, October 14th 1947") is the principal collector branch.

	<span id="core-facts"></span>		<span id="core-facts"></span>
Line 74:		Line 74:
	The 16700 is a caller GMT. The 16760 (cal. 3085) and 16710 (cal. 3185 / 3186) are flyer GMTs. The terminology splits the GMT-Master family cleanly:		The 16700 is a caller GMT. The 16760 (cal. 3085) and 16710 (cal. 3185 / 3186) are flyer GMTs. The terminology splits the GMT-Master family cleanly:

	* ~~'''~~Caller GMT~~'''~~ — main hour hand sets in one-hour clicks via the crown, 24-hour hand stays locked to the local hour hand and follows it. The second time zone is read by rotating the bidirectional 24-hour bezel. The 16700's "phone-callable" home base means ~~setting~~ the bezel to ~~your~~ home offset and glancing at the 24-hour hand for the time at home.		* Caller GMT — main hour hand sets in one-hour clicks via the crown; 24-hour hand stays locked to the local hour hand and follows it. The second time zone is read by rotating the bidirectional 24-hour bezel. The 16700's "phone-callable" home base means rotating the bezel to a home-offset reading and glancing at the 24-hour hand for the time at home.
	* ~~'''~~Flyer GMT~~'''~~ — ~~the~~ 24-hour hand rotates once per 24 hours independent of the local hour hand. The local hour hand jumps in one-hour increments without disturbing the minutes or seconds. ~~Set~~ the local hour hand ~~to wherever you've just landed~~; the 24-hour hand keeps tracking ~~your~~ home; a third zone ~~can be read~~ off the bezel.		* Flyer GMT — 24-hour hand rotates once per 24 hours independent of the local hour hand. The local hour hand jumps in one-hour increments without disturbing the minutes or seconds. The wearer sets the local hour hand on arrival; the 24-hour hand keeps tracking home; a third zone reads off the bezel.

	A specific subset of collectors chases the 16700 over the contemporary 16710 for the original travel logic. The linked-hand mechanism means the local hour hand jumps in one-hour steps when the date is advanced — the original GMT-Master operating feel from the 1950s preserved in a sapphire-crystal modern case.		A specific subset of collectors chases the 16700 over the contemporary 16710 for the original travel logic. The linked-hand mechanism means the local hour hand jumps in one-hour steps when the date is advanced — the original GMT-Master operating feel from the 1950s preserved in a sapphire-crystal modern case.
Line 82:		Line 82:
	== Production outline ==		== Production outline ==

	Production began in 1988 — unanimous across ~~every documented source~~. The end year is contested: ~~Sotheby's complete GMT~~-~~Master guide, the Sotheby's Pepsi key-references guide, Bonhams Lot 4 (Aug 2020), Fratello, WatchBase, specialist~~ sources~~, Bob's Watches, Gray & Sons, and Everest Bands all~~ converge on 1999~~. The~~ Vintage Rolex Field Manual closes the run at 1998 — minority view. Late examples in the market circulate as "1998" or "1999" depending on papers dates rather than any agreed cutoff.		Production began in 1988 — unanimous across the published literature. The end year is contested: most editorial and auction-house sources converge on 1999, while the Vintage Rolex Field Manual closes the run at 1998 — minority view. Late examples in the market circulate as "1998" or "1999" depending on papers dates rather than any agreed cutoff.

	Total production output is not published ~~in any published source~~. Bonhams reads the 16700 as "notably fewer units produced than its counterpart [the 16710]"; Sotheby's says "smaller quantities despite its decade-long run"~~; Specialist coverage positions it as the affordable steel-only alternative to the 16710 throughout production~~. The 16700 is directionally rarer than the 16710, with no number to attach.		Total production output is not published. Bonhams reads the 16700 as "notably fewer units produced than its counterpart [the 16710]"; Sotheby's says "smaller quantities despite its decade-long run". The 16700 is directionally rarer than the 16710, with no number to attach.

	<span id="movement-notes"></span>		<span id="movement-notes"></span>
	== Movement notes ==		== Movement notes ==

	Caliber 3175 is the final GMT-Master movement — a one-reference caliber exclusive to the 16700. Specifications converge across ~~Bonhams Lot 4 (2020), Sotheby's Lot 10 (Geneva 2019), specialist caliber guides, Fratello,~~ and ~~the specialist registry data~~: 31 jewels, 28,800 vph (4 Hz), 48-hour power reserve, hacking seconds, quickset date, Breguet hairspring, Glucydur balance with Microstella screws, Kif shock protection, COSC chronometer-rated, adjusted to 5 positions and temperature.		Caliber 3175 is the final GMT-Master movement — a one-reference caliber exclusive to the 16700. Specifications converge across the published literature and major-house lot catalogues: 31 jewels, 28,800 vph (4 Hz), 48-hour power reserve, hacking seconds, quickset date, Breguet hairspring, Glucydur balance with Microstella screws, Kif shock protection, COSC chronometer-rated, adjusted to 5 positions and temperature.

	The 3175 is the last fixed-GMT movement that did not have an independently adjustable GMT hand. The independently set GMT hour hand belongs to the 3085 (16760, 1983–1989) and the 3185 / 3186 (16710, 1989–2019) — not the 3175. Sotheby's collector guide line about an "independently adjustable flying GMT hand" on the 16700 is a published error rather than an interpretive contradiction; the 16700 caliber 3175 is unambiguously a caller GMT in every primary, secondary, and auction-house source surveyed.		The 3175 is the last fixed-GMT movement that did not have an independently adjustable GMT hand. The independently set GMT hour hand belongs to the 3085 (16760, 1983–1989) and the 3185 / 3186 (16710, 1989–2019) — not the 3175. Sotheby's collector guide line about an "independently adjustable flying GMT hand" on the 16700 is a published error rather than an interpretive contradiction; the 16700 caliber 3175 is unambiguously a caller GMT in every primary, secondary, and auction-house source surveyed.
Line 135:		Line 135:
	Period-correct delivery is the Oyster 78360 with 501 (early) or 580 (mid-run) end-links and a folding clasp through most of the production window. Bonhams Lot 4 (1988) carries a 78360 Oyster with signed folding clasp stamped RS11 (the RS11 clasp code is unusual; most published examples use 580 / 501).		Period-correct delivery is the Oyster 78360 with 501 (early) or 580 (mid-run) end-links and a folding clasp through most of the production window. Bonhams Lot 4 (1988) carries a 78360 Oyster with signed folding clasp stamped RS11 (the RS11 clasp code is unusual; most published examples use 580 / 501).

	Later production transitions to the Oyster 78790A with Oysterlock ~~— Bob's Ultimate Guide and Lange Dyk both document the configuration~~ on late-1990s examples. The Jubilee 62510H with 502B end-links was the optional dressy fitment.		Later production transitions to the Oyster 78790A with Oysterlock, documented on late-1990s examples across the published literature. The Jubilee 62510H with 502B end-links was the optional dressy fitment.

	Antiquorum Lot 88 (Geneva June 2020) documents a 1996 head with a 93150/501B Oyster bracelet. The 93150 is a service or later replacement reference — it became standard on the 16710 — so the bracelet on that lot is service-era rather than original delivery. Period-correct mapping for the article: Oyster 78360 with 501 / 580 end-links throughout the early-to-mid run, Oyster 78790 from late production; 93150 fittings are service-era.		Antiquorum Lot 88 (Geneva June 2020) documents a 1996 head with a 93150/501B Oyster bracelet. The 93150 is a service or later replacement reference — it became standard on the 16710 — so the bracelet on that lot is service-era rather than original delivery. Period-correct mapping for the article: Oyster 78360 with 501 / 580 end-links throughout the early-to-mid run, Oyster 78790 from late production; 93150 fittings are service-era.

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:38, 29 April 2026
Line 55:		Line 55:
	\|-		\|-
	\| bezel		\| bezel
	\| bidirectional 24-hour aluminium insert. Pepsi (red/blue) and all-black are the only factory configurations. Coke (red/black) on a 16700 is not factory — aftermarket or service swap ~~(Bob's explicit)~~		\| bidirectional 24-hour aluminium insert. Pepsi (red/blue) and all-black are the only factory configurations. Coke (red/black) on a 16700 is not factory — aftermarket or service swap
	\|-		\|-
	\| bracelet		\| bracelet
Line 82:		Line 82:
	== Production outline ==		== Production outline ==

	Production began in 1988 — unanimous across every consulted source. The end year is contested: Sotheby's complete GMT-Master guide, the Sotheby's Pepsi key-references guide, Bonhams Lot 4 (Aug 2020), Fratello, WatchBase, ~~Lange Dyk Vintage~~, Bob's Watches, Gray & Sons, and Everest Bands all converge on 1999. The Vintage Rolex Field Manual closes the run at 1998 — minority view. Late examples in the market circulate as "1998" or "1999" depending on papers dates rather than any agreed cutoff.		Production began in 1988 — unanimous across every consulted source. The end year is contested: Sotheby's complete GMT-Master guide, the Sotheby's Pepsi key-references guide, Bonhams Lot 4 (Aug 2020), Fratello, WatchBase, specialist sources, Bob's Watches, Gray & Sons, and Everest Bands all converge on 1999. The Vintage Rolex Field Manual closes the run at 1998 — minority view. Late examples in the market circulate as "1998" or "1999" depending on papers dates rather than any agreed cutoff.

	Total production output is not published in any consulted source. Bonhams reads the 16700 as "notably fewer units produced than its counterpart [the 16710]"; Sotheby's says "smaller quantities despite its decade-long run"; ~~Gray & Sons~~ positions it as the affordable steel-only alternative to the 16710 throughout production. The 16700 is directionally rarer than the 16710, with no number to attach.		Total production output is not published in any consulted source. Bonhams reads the 16700 as "notably fewer units produced than its counterpart [the 16710]"; Sotheby's says "smaller quantities despite its decade-long run"; Specialist coverage positions it as the affordable steel-only alternative to the 16710 throughout production. The 16700 is directionally rarer than the 16710, with no number to attach.

	<span id="movement-notes"></span>		<span id="movement-notes"></span>
	== Movement notes ==		== Movement notes ==

	Caliber 3175 is the final GMT-Master movement — a one-reference caliber exclusive to the 16700. Specifications converge across Bonhams Lot 4 (2020), Sotheby's Lot 10 (Geneva 2019), ~~Millenary Watches~~ caliber ~~guide~~, Fratello, and the ~~chrono-shop archived listing~~: 31 jewels, 28,800 vph (4 Hz), 48-hour power reserve, hacking seconds, quickset date, Breguet hairspring, Glucydur balance with Microstella screws, Kif shock protection, COSC chronometer-rated, adjusted to 5 positions and temperature.		Caliber 3175 is the final GMT-Master movement — a one-reference caliber exclusive to the 16700. Specifications converge across Bonhams Lot 4 (2020), Sotheby's Lot 10 (Geneva 2019), specialist caliber guides, Fratello, and the specialist registry data: 31 jewels, 28,800 vph (4 Hz), 48-hour power reserve, hacking seconds, quickset date, Breguet hairspring, Glucydur balance with Microstella screws, Kif shock protection, COSC chronometer-rated, adjusted to 5 positions and temperature.

	The 3175 is the last fixed-GMT movement that did not have an independently adjustable GMT hand ~~(Millenary)~~. The independently set GMT hour hand belongs to the 3085 (16760, 1983–1989) and the 3185 / 3186 (16710, 1989–2019) — not the 3175. Sotheby's collector guide line about an "independently adjustable flying GMT hand" on the 16700 is a published error rather than an interpretive contradiction; the 16700 caliber 3175 is unambiguously a caller GMT in every primary, secondary, and auction-house source surveyed.		The 3175 is the last fixed-GMT movement that did not have an independently adjustable GMT hand. The independently set GMT hour hand belongs to the 3085 (16760, 1983–1989) and the 3185 / 3186 (16710, 1989–2019) — not the 3175. Sotheby's collector guide line about an "independently adjustable flying GMT hand" on the 16700 is a published error rather than an interpretive contradiction; the 16700 caliber 3175 is unambiguously a caller GMT in every primary, secondary, and auction-house source surveyed.

	The lineage: 3175 supersedes the 3075 used in the 16750 and is the terminal "linked-hand" GMT caliber. Production span of the movement itself: 1988 to 1999, used exclusively in the 16700.		The lineage: 3175 supersedes the 3075 used in the 16750 and is the terminal "linked-hand" GMT caliber. Production span of the movement itself: 1988 to 1999, used exclusively in the 16700.
Line 102:		Line 102:
	[[File:Ref 16700 black-branch.webp\|thumb\|right\|280px\|alt=Black-bezel 16700\|Black-bezel 16700]]		[[File:Ref 16700 black-branch.webp\|thumb\|right\|280px\|alt=Black-bezel 16700\|Black-bezel 16700]]

	Glossy black with applied white-gold-surround indices is standard across the run ~~(Bob's, Gray & Sons, Sotheby's guide, Lange Dyk)~~. Two evolutions on the dial side and one factory-controversy.		Glossy black with applied white-gold-surround indices is standard across the run. Two evolutions on the dial side and one factory-controversy.

	<span id="open-vs-closed-69-date-wheel"></span>		<span id="open-vs-closed-69-date-wheel"></span>
Line 133:		Line 133:
	== Bracelets, end links, clasps, and packaging notes ==		== Bracelets, end links, clasps, and packaging notes ==

	Period-correct delivery is the Oyster 78360 with 501 (early) or 580 (mid-run) end-links and a folding clasp through most of the production window~~. Bulang & Sons documents a 1990 E-serial example with 78360 / P4 clasp / 501 end-links — clean period-correct fitment~~. Bonhams Lot 4 (1988) carries a 78360 Oyster with signed folding clasp stamped RS11 (the RS11 clasp code is unusual; most published examples use 580 / 501).		Period-correct delivery is the Oyster 78360 with 501 (early) or 580 (mid-run) end-links and a folding clasp through most of the production window. Bonhams Lot 4 (1988) carries a 78360 Oyster with signed folding clasp stamped RS11 (the RS11 clasp code is unusual; most published examples use 580 / 501).

	Later production transitions to the Oyster 78790A with Oysterlock — Bob's Ultimate Guide and Lange Dyk both document the configuration on late-1990s examples. The Jubilee 62510H with 502B end-links was the optional dressy fitment ~~(SwissWatchExpo notes the option; Bob's confirms)~~.		Later production transitions to the Oyster 78790A with Oysterlock — Bob's Ultimate Guide and Lange Dyk both document the configuration on late-1990s examples. The Jubilee 62510H with 502B end-links was the optional dressy fitment.

	Antiquorum Lot 88 (Geneva June 2020) documents a 1996 head with a 93150/501B Oyster bracelet. The 93150 is a service or later replacement reference — it became standard on the 16710 — so the bracelet on that lot is service-era rather than original delivery. Period-correct mapping for the article: Oyster 78360 with 501 / 580 end-links throughout the early-to-mid run, Oyster 78790 from late production; 93150 fittings are service-era.		Antiquorum Lot 88 (Geneva June 2020) documents a 1996 head with a 93150/501B Oyster bracelet. The 93150 is a service or later replacement reference — it became standard on the 16710 — so the bracelet on that lot is service-era rather than original delivery. Period-correct mapping for the article: Oyster 78360 with 501 / 580 end-links throughout the early-to-mid run, Oyster 78790 from late production; 93150 fittings are service-era.