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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · GMT wristwatch

Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 116758

Partially verified

This Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date GMT-Master II, reference 116758, is a self-winding wristwatch housed in an 18K yellow gold three-body case measuring 40 mm in diameter and 12 mm in thickness. The exterior features decorative stone setting, with 76 brilliant-cut white diamonds applied to the lugs and crown-guard, and a bi-directional revolving bezel set with baguette-cut white diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. It features a black dial with luminous indices and hands, a cyclops-magnified date aperture, and a second time-zone display. Internally, the watch is powered by the rhodium-plated Caliber 3185 movement, which incorporates 31 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a Microstella-regulated balance. The watch is completed by an 18K yellow gold Oysterlock bracelet. This timepiece is classified as a Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified and includes features such as an independently adjustable hour hand and a dedicated 24-hour hand for travel utility.

Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 116758 in 18K yellow gold with diamond, sapphire, and ruby-set bezel, lugs, and crown guard.
Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 116758 in 18K yellow gold with diamond, sapphire, and ruby-set bezel, lugs, and crown guard. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · GMT wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
116758
Catalogue / lot identifier
60
Source-reported date
circa 2007
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
Z384574

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 External Features

The GMT-Master II, reference 116758, is constructed with an 18K yellow gold three-body case. The case architecture is characterized by polished and brushed surfaces, complemented by a screw-down crown and case back that provide water resistance. A prominent feature of this model is its elaborate gem-setting; the lugs and crown-guard are adorned with 76 brilliant-cut white diamonds.

The bi-directional revolving bezel serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, indicating the second time zone through a configuration of 22 baguette white diamonds, a single triangular white diamond, and an array of 18 baguette sapphires and 18 baguette rubies. A sapphire crystal with a cyclops lens protects the black dial, which includes luminous round, baton, and triangular yellow gold indexes, alongside the date aperture.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, polished and brushed, the lugs and crown-guard set with 76 brilliant cut white diamonds, screwed-down case back and crown”
  • “bi-directional revolving bezel set with 22 baguette white diamonds, a triangular white diamond, 18 baguette sapphires and 18 baguette rubies”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The timepiece is driven by the Caliber 3185 self-winding movement. The movement is rhodium-plated and features oeil-de-perdrix decoration. It utilizes a straight-line lever escapement and operates on 31 jewels. Technical regulation is achieved through a Microstella screw system, with a self-compensating, free-sprung Breguet balance spring included to maintain accuracy.

The balance is adjusted to temperatures and five positions, and the movement is equipped with a shock absorber and a hack mechanism. The watch displays center seconds and maintains GMT functionality via a specialized 24-hour hand and an independently adjustable hour hand.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. 3185, rhodium plated, oeil-de-perdrix decoration, 31 jewels, straight-line lever escapement”
  • “monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures and 5 positions, shock absorber, self-compensating free-sprung Breguet balance spring, Microstella regulating screws”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description reports the watch as a 'Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified'. Regarding the current state, the grading system indicates the movement and dial are in 'As new' condition. The case is evaluated as 'Very good' with minor signs of being 'Slightly scratched'.

The dial, case, and movement are signed by the manufacturer. The watch is sold with an 18K yellow gold Oysterlock bracelet with an approximate overall length of 170 mm.

Evidence for this section
  • “Grading System Grade: AAA Excellent Case: 2-8 Very good Slightly scratched Movement: 1 As new Dial: 1-01 As new”
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”

Open research questions

  • What specific archival records or documentation confirm the factory-original status of the gem-setting for this serial number?
  • Does the 'Z' serial number prefix allow for a more precise manufacturing window beyond the 2007 sales date?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 116758
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRolex“Rolex, Oyster Perpetual Date, GMT Master II”
Reference116758“Ref. 116758.”
Case NumberZ384574“case No. Z384574”
MovementCal. 3185“Cal. 3185, rhodium plated, oeil-de-perdrix decoration, 31 jewels”
Case Size40 mm“DIAM. 40 mm.”
Bracelet18K yellow gold Oysterlock“18K yellow gold Oysterlock bracelet.”
Bezel CompositionDiamond, sapphire, and ruby“bi-directional revolving bezel set with 22 baguette white diamonds, a triangular white diamond, 18 baguette sapphires and 18 baguette rubies”

Visible details

  • Gem-set bezel featuring alternating baguette rubies, sapphires, and diamonds
  • Brilliant-cut diamond embellishment on the lugs and crown guards
  • Black dial with yellow gold luminous indices and hands
  • Oysterlock bracelet in 18K yellow gold

Research qualifications

  • The source describes the watch as sold circa 2007, which is an estimate rather than a confirmed manufacturing date
  • Specifics regarding the origin or source of the gemstones are not provided

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

Terms in this record

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