GMT-Master 16700 U serial

We managed to get our hands on another beautiful, Rolex GMT-Master with reference 16700. This watch with its U-serial case number dates back to 1997 and therefor is a watch with a cool story.

You see, the U-serial GMT’s are known for the fact that the dial is marked with the SWISS-T<25 printing right below the six o’clock position, when in fact all luminous material inside the indices and hands is Luminova. Dials used on these early U serials were older dials manufactured before the time Rolex started to move away from Tritium as the luminescent compound for their dials and hands, and made the decision to use Luminova instead – It was probably much more cost efficient to use these older dials first, before setting up production for brand new ones (later dials were printed with SWISS or SWISS MADE below the six o’clock position). The above described ‘anomaly’ only occurred during the production of the U serial GMT, sometimes also called the transitional GMT by collectors, which makes this particular Rolex a cool and perhaps rare watch, and an interesting buy at that, should you wish to own a 16700 a bit more rare then its siblings.

The entire watch remains in a very good condition with a sharp case and solid stainless steel bezel. The original black insert has the much sought after Serif & Fat Font characteristics and this GMT is worn on it’s original and well conditioned 78790 Oyster bracelet with Oyster Lock clasp. This GMT 16700 U serial from ’97 was fully serviced and the watch will be sold with our 24 month warranty.

reference: 16700
case number: U serial
year of production: 1997
case diameter: 40mm
movement: automatic, Rolex caliber 3175
box and papers: no

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