Rolex 1675 versus 16750 GMT Master

[topcat30093]

I have done a quick search, but couldn't find anything recent.

I am looking to get a good genuine GMT Master, with matching patina.

Initially, I was just considering getting a 1675, but then started to read up on the various models, such as the 16750, 16700 etc.

I would value your thoughts, opinions and photos on this subject.

I am not fussed that the it does not hack or that you can't set the second time zone separately, if I did I would get the newer model!

What I am keen on, is originality and patina.

Also, what are your thoughts between the 16750 and 16700?

On a website that I viewed, which focused on the history of the GMT Master, it mentioned that the 16700 was slightly different, in a negative way, compared to the 16750.

Thank you

Regards

Tony

[R.W.T.]

16700 will have WG surrounds...Gloss Dial...and Sapphire Glass.

16750 could look exactly like a matte dial 1675 but have quickset date and hack.

They're all cool.

The 16750 is will be a little better timekeeper generally speaking though some 1675's are brilliant.

It's a faster beat movement with less position error accordingly.

I like the 30xx series movements...a little more trouble to service but it also has the advantage that rolex will still do it.

Dial and hands very often don't match coz the hands corroded a lot.

Some do very nicely. You have to look harder to find a nice 16750 but it's usually worth it.

Like pieces cost more in the 16750 because the matte version there are just fewer of them and many have been changed out for modern dials and hands.

Buy one of each :-)

I'm sure others will have things to add to the discussion.

[mike]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

16700 will have WG surrounds...Gloss Dial...and Sapphire Glass.

16750 could look exactly like a matte dial 1675 but have quickset date and hack.

They're all cool.

The 16750 is will be a little better timekeeper generally speaking though some 1675's are brilliant.

It's a faster beat movement with less position error accordingly.

I like the 30xx series movements...a little more trouble to service but it also has the advantage that rolex will still do it.

Dial and hands very often don't match coz the hands corroded a lot.

Some do very nicely. You have to look harder to find a nice 16750 but it's usually worth it.

Like pieces cost more in the 16750 because the matte version there are just fewer of them and many have been changed out for modern dials and hands.

Buy one of each :-)

I'm sure others will have things to add to the discussion.

Sums it up quite nicely.

[springer]

There were two variations of dials found on the GMT 16750. The early ones had the matte dial without the gold surround markers. These early 16750s appear very similar to the GMT 1675s. Later in the production run, the 16750 dial was changed to a glossy dial with gold surround markers and appear similar to the GMT 16700. All 16750s came with the acrylic crystal.

The GMT 16700 has a sapphire crystal, glossy dial with gold surround markers and replaced the GMT 16750 around 1988 and was discontinued around 1998. The 16750 and 16700 gloss dial GMTs appear very similar and function the same. The main difference between the two are the crystals - acrylic vs sapphire.

As far as the movements are concerned, some prefer the quick-set date found in the 16750 vs the non quick-set date found in the 1675.

I find the accuracy of both the GMT 1675 and the later 16750/16700 comparable and have owned both watches and was pleased with their ability to run very accurate and maintain COSC specifications day-in and day-out.

The older GMT 1675s can still be serviced by Rolex service centers or independent watch makers and the parts are readily available.

Whether you choose a GMT 1675, 16750 or 16700 is more of a matter of personal taste - all three models being great watches.

Below are two 16750 GMTs, the one on the left has the matte dial, while the other has the glossy, gold surround marker dial.

[topcat30093]

Thank you very much for the extremely informative answers.

I am leaning towards a 16570.

I have located a matt dial one for sale from 1979/80 and it's a 6 serial number.

Would the date match and serial number match the timing of the dial?

[R.W.T.]

Yes

[Toronto Soup King]

From a guy wearing his 1675 right now for the first time in a week, if I had to choose again I might have gone for an early 16750 purely for the quickset date. It is a pain to cycle the 1675 through a week or three to get the date right, with that small crown, and I'm sure it doesn't do the watch any good.

[jyan212]

Originally Posted by topcat30093

Thank you very much for the extremely informative answers.

I am leaning towards a 16570.

I have located a matt dial one for sale from 1979/80 and it's a 6 serial number.

Would the date match and serial number match the timing of the dial?

Post some pics!

[clock]

I enjoy my 16750. Glad it has the quickset, especially wearing in rotation with other watches and without a watch winder.

[topcat30093]

Originally Posted by jyan212

Post some pics!

Sorry, I can't as I don't have the permission of the owner.

But will find out if it is possible