Our remarks

Rolex GMT-Master “Pepsi” Ref. 16750, Stainless Steel, Hand Engraved Case and Bracelet, 1979, John Bull BAHAMAS

The GMT-Master was created in the 1950s for pilots who needed to keep track of two time zones, and its red and blue bezel became one of the most recognizable designs in watchmaking. The reference 16750 is the transitional model between the classic vintage 1675 and the modern GMTs. It introduced a quickset date and a faster movement, while keeping the matte dial and warm vintage charm of the earlier models. This example adds something you will hardly ever see: a case and bracelet decorated entirely by hand.

The 40 mm Oyster case is made of stainless steel and was water resistant to 100 meters. The bidirectional rotating bezel carries the 24-hour scale in red and blue, the famous “Pepsi” colors. What makes this watch truly unique is its decoration. The case and the bracelet were hand engraved by John Bull, the Rolex retailer in the Bahamas, with an ornamental pattern that covers the steel. Pieces like this were made in very small numbers for the retailer’s clients, and each one is individual. It turns a classic tool watch into a one-of-a-kind piece with a Caribbean story.

The watch was originally sold by John Bull in the Bahamas, where it also received its hand engraving.

The black matte dial carries luminous tritium markers that have aged harmoniously over the decades. The red 24-hour hand shows the second time zone against the bezel, and the Cyclops lens magnifies the date at 3 o’clock.

Inside works the Rolex caliber 3075, a self-winding chronometer movement with quickset date, which lets you adjust the date directly via the crown without turning the hands through a full day.

The watch was originally sold by John Bull, the well-known ROLEX retailer in the Bahamas. 

The watch dates from 1979 and is in excellent condition. 

"A early, if not the earlies custimzied vintage Rolex with a hand engraved case and bracelet, clearly a collectors piece for connoisseurs!"