Rolex GMT Master Pepsi 16700 1999 [Preowned]
Overview
The Rolex GMT-Master 16700 Pepsi, produced in 1999, represents the final evolution of the classic GMT-Master series before Rolex transitioned fully to the GMT-Master II. Featuring the iconic red and blue “Pepsi” bezel, this reference continues the legacy of the original 1955 GMT-Master, a watch originally designed for Pan Am pilots. The aluminum bezel insert on this model offers a vibrant yet slightly aged patina that enthusiasts appreciate, giving it a distinctive vintage charm that modern ceramic bezels cannot replicate.
At 40mm, the stainless steel case of the 16700 remains true to Rolex’s timeless proportions, ensuring versatility and everyday wearability. Unlike its successor, the GMT-Master II, this model features a fixed-hour hand, meaning it does not allow independent adjustment of the local time. However, it still retains the dual-time functionality by utilizing the rotating 24-hour bezel in combination with the GMT hand. This simplicity keeps the watch historically accurate to its predecessors while offering a cleaner, more straightforward approach to travel timekeeping.
The black glossy dial on the 16700 is enhanced with luminous hour markers and hands, which, by 1999, had transitioned from tritium to Super-LumiNova, ensuring longer-lasting luminescence. The white gold surrounds on the markers add a touch of refinement, a detail that Rolex carried forward into future models. The cyclops date window at 3 o’clock remains a defining feature, reinforcing the watch’s everyday practicality and legibility. The overall aesthetic is one that bridges the gap between classic vintage styling and modern Rolex refinement.
As one of the last GMT-Master models before its discontinuation in 1999, the 16700 is highly collectible, particularly in well-preserved examples with its original Pepsi bezel. Unlike later GMT-Master II models, the 16700 retains a lighter case profile and the charm of an aluminum bezel, both of which contribute to its enduring appeal among Rolex enthusiasts. Paired with an Oyster bracelet, this reference embodies the golden era of Rolex tool watches, making it a prized piece for collectors who appreciate both history and functionality in a single timepiece.
Specifications
| Brand : |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Movement : | Rolex Calibre 3175, 48 hours Power Reserve, Automatic |
|
|
|
| Bracelet / Strap : |
Steel |
| Features : | 100m depth rating, Swiss Only Dial, Luminova, Bi-directional Aluminium Bezel, Quick Set Date |
Condition
Preowned, Very Good Condition, Original Set with Box and Papers dated on August 1999.
Warranty
1 year warranty from SCW.