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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · GMT-Master

1996 Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 16700)

Partially verified

The Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 16700) is a stainless steel wristwatch featuring a black glossy dial and a rotating 24-hour 'Pepsi' bezel. It is powered by the Rolex caliber 3175 movement and incorporates a fourth 24-hour hand, allowing for the simultaneous display of two time zones. The watch dates to 1996, falling within the production period of the 16700, which spanned from 1988 to 1999. The timepiece is presented on a Rolex 78790 Oyster bracelet with 501B end pieces. Construction includes a sapphire crystal. The case remains in an unpolished state, retaining original factory finishing, and the case back features the original Rolex green factory sticker. The dial includes white gold surround markers and tritium luminous plots, which match the original tritium hands.

Front view of the Rolex GMT-Master 16700 showing the Pepsi bezel, black dial, and Oyster bracelet.
Front view of the Rolex GMT-Master 16700 showing the Pepsi bezel, black dial, and Oyster bracelet. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · GMT-Master
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
16700
Catalogue / lot identifier
RLXGMT16700-12
Source-reported date
1996
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
T8XXXXX

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Bracelet

The stainless steel case of this reference 16700 is reported by the auction description to be unpolished, retaining the factory-applied finishing and chamfers. The bezel is the bi-color 'Pepsi' variety, described as being in near-flawless condition. The case back retains its original Rolex green factory sticker.

The watch is fitted with an Oyster-style bracelet, reference 78790, which utilizes 501B end pieces. The bracelet includes 11 links and is described as having minimal stretch, suitable for wrists up to seven inches in circumference.

Evidence for this section
  • “The unpolished case is in impressive condition”
  • “The "Pepsi" bezel insert is in near-flawless condition”
  • “The case back is also unpolished and retains the original Rolex green factory sticker.”
  • “The original Rolex 78790 Oyster bracelet with 501B end pieces”

Dial and Hands

The watch features a glossy black dial with markers surrounded by white gold. The luminous material used for the dial plots and the hands is tritium. Under ultraviolet light inspection, the source reports no degradation of the luminous material, which exhibits an ivory color.

The dial configuration includes the standard GMT-Master layout with a date aperture at the three o'clock position, magnified by a cyclops lens, and a red GMT hand for the second time zone tracking.

Evidence for this section
  • “The original glossy black dial with white gold surround markers is in virtually flawless condition”
  • “The tritium lume plots are bright with a subtle ivory color and exhibit no degradation”
  • “The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly”

Movement and Functionality

This timepiece is equipped with the Rolex caliber 3175 movement. The reference 16700 succeeded the 16750 and was produced alongside the GMT-Master II reference 16710. The 3175 allows for the independent adjustment of the 24-hour hand via the rotating bezel, which serves to display a second time zone.

The source indicates that the watch is currently functioning and keeping time as expected.

Evidence for this section
  • “Featuring the updated 3175 movements”
  • “The watch is keeping time perfectly”

Open research questions

  • Does the serial number range T8XXXXX align with 1996 production dates?
  • What is the specific provenance history of this individual serial number?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 1996 Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 16700)
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Model16700“Model 16700”
MaterialStainless Steel“Material Stainless Steel”
Case diameter40 mm“Millimeters 40”
MovementRolex 3175“Featuring the updated 3175 movements”
BraceletRolex 78790 with 501B end pieces“Rolex 78790 Oyster Bracelet W/ 501B End Pieces”
Crystal typeSapphire“sapphire crystal”
Production year of watch1996“1996 Rolex GMT-Master”

Visible details

  • Original green factory sticker intact on the case back
  • Rotating bi-color blue and red bezel insert
  • Tritium lume plots and hands showing ivory-toned aging
  • Cyclops lens over the date aperture

Research qualifications

  • Exact serial number is partially redacted in the source (T8XXXXX)
  • The exact production volume of the 16700 relative to other references remains qualitative in the provided text

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Rolex GMT-Master رفرنس 16700 پپسی مدل ۱۹۹۶

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record f8d444e3dd

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other gmt-master records