Identifying future classic Rolex from the 1990-2018 era - Part 2: Rolex GMT-Master II 16760
The first in this series of articles looked at identifying watches from the 1990-2018 era that could become future classics. Part 1 highlighted the Rolex Submariner 16610LV.
This article, Part 2 of 8 will look at the Rolex GMT-Master II 16760. It has many factors that also point towards it becoming a future classic.
First, I am highlighting below the criteria that I used in the first article to guide my thinking.
A number of criteria form what it takes to be a future classic. In my view, it would roughly comprise the following:
- Of limited production thereby making it reasonably hard to find. Supply needs to be of a sufficient number to make the hunt realistic, but hard enough to make it a test.
- Within a specific reference, there is usually some distinguishing factor that separates one type of dial from another. The rarer the dial variant, the more in-demand it will be.
- Unique appearance. Take for example the Big Crowns that have clearly recognisable characteristics that make them easy to identify. Similarly, on Milsubs, the marking on the insert makes them stand out as does their military features.
- Typically, a collectible watch marks something important in the history of Rolex. It is not always the case, but often it can be. Take the Sea-Dweller 1665, for example. The invention of the HEV came with the 1665 and that marked a very significant point in Rolex history and how it subsequently shaped the company. When a watch has a special importance in the history of Rolex, it can turn that watch into something that collectors demand.
I think it is fair to say that it isn’t necessary to tick every box but is important to tick enough of them. The 16760 certainly does that. The 16760 was in production for just five years from 1983 to 1988. OK, that is a little out of my original remit of the past thirty years, but only just!! The 16760 was:
- immediately notable for its more prominent, thicker case - nicknamed the "Fat Lady" or the "Sophia Loren"
- the very first GMT-Master II
- the first GMT to sport the red & black coke insert. The watch was immediately differentiated from other GMT in that it was only ever issued with the coke insert.
- the very first GMT to have a sapphire crystal. Collectors are turning more and more to this transition era - the sapphire era.
- the first GMT to use white gold on the dial. 18k white gold was used to surround the hour markers.
- the first GMT to have an independent centre hour hand that allowed the centre hour hand to be altered independently from the 24-hour hand. Tis marked a new innovation.
These factors make the 16760 an important watch for Rolex in terms of its history. It marks a lot of "firsts".
The 16760 also has a dial quirk to it too. A very small percentage of 16760s were made with a dial that reads “Oyster Perpetual” underneath the coronet and Rolex. In other words, it misses the word “date”. Most dials have “Oyster Perpetual Date” but a few just have “Oyster Perpetual”.
How rare is the 16760? Well, if you type in Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 in Chrono, you will likely get around 400 hits of watches for sale. If you do the same for the Rolex GMT-Master II16760, you will see around 15 for sale globally. How many “no-date” versions? Maybe one or two. This is a rare watch either with or without the dial anomaly. Yet it is not exactly priced like a future classic. In fact, most 16760s are priced below where a modern GMT would be priced. I see this watch as very likely to become more and more appreciated as collectors see it for what it is. It has many of the features that collectors deem as attractive. And importantly, it is still priced at a great level for what is an important GMT that is also relatively hard to find. I would say that it matters to me to find one in great condition and with proper box and papers. How many of those are out there?
Very few.
Yes, this is a modern Rolex that thoroughly deserves its place on my list of “future classics”.
Date versus "No-Date" versions
(images found anonymously on internet)
Excellent post, the Fat Lady could be changed to obese person to be PC?
I prefer Sophia Lauren, she was beautiful and the definition of elegance, just like 16760
Thanks Baron for another thought provoking post
But to be thoroughly convinced, I really need to see Imran post a pic of 16760 with jubilee bracelet...😆
Yes but here name is Sophia LOREN. Fat Lady is "MeToo" compartible, we also have King-Size-Models now. [nt]
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Thank you for e your explanation, always good to learn from you. Best Walter [nt]
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No, very good in my opinon. Before, I dont know the thing with the date. For me, Fat Ladys were just fat. So i learned something new! [nt]
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Need to check
... but I think the case is 0.5mm deeper. Such a small difference.
I think I prefer Sophia Loren.
I think I prefer Sophia Loren.
The ‘no date’ is not really available
Well I can find one for the price of a brand new Ford Fiesta. Never knew that the word ‘date’ was that expensive. So now I kind of understand that Nicolas hates the date. It costs money!
Kidding aside, thank you (again) for a very informative document and a potential start of a divorce...
Kidding aside, thank you (again) for a very informative document and a potential start of a divorce...
I think that is right......
.....the no-date is just extremely rare. The date version with B&P is hard enough. The positive side is that it is not more expensive than a modern one.
Thats true! My friend here is preparing one for slalom, look the pics. When a big thing comes in a small thing, fun is guaranteed. V6 in the middel/back RWD 750kg
He made the same with a Innocenti 20 years ago, with a renault 17 motor in the middle/RWD.
I respect him very much, all parts from trash, he build the cars allone and he wins with his own cars. He drives Slalom and Autocross 25 years.
Could not agree more
Thanks for the very clear explanation.
Mine is not a perfect collector piece but it is real and honest to me.
The watch gives me lots of you
And these days in the IWC boutique i had a story and lesson to tell, too.
I wanted to put it in my bag but as most things in the US
This was oversized.
Detroit ... important monument ...
Detroit ... important monument ...
What happened to the wrist on the background? No watch on it? ;) [nt]
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Are you wearing your watch on the right arm?
That was my explanation when i wondered myself.
Cheers
Kolosstt
Cheers
Kolosstt
Excellent post about a reference I am hunting for some years, now. I found mine, but I have to convince the owner... ;) A greatissime reference, still under the radar. [nt]
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You can get one for a bit less, unless it is box and papers. And even... I saw once auctioned for 20 K USD, box and papers. [nt]
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