Rolex GMT Pepsi 16700 U Series
REF: 16700
Movement: cal. 3175 automatic
Case: Oyster,stainless steel, 40 mm, black dial, sapphire glass
Bezel: bi-directional revolving blue and red bezel calibrated for 24-hours
Condition: mint
Year: 1997 U Series
Overview: After the release of the Rolex GMT Master II, Rolex made a surprising move, they continued to produce and improve upon the original GMT Master with its own continued line. One of these variations is the GMT Master ref. 16700. Produced for a surprisingly long run from 1988 to 1999, the Rolex GMT Master ref. 16700 replaced ref. 16750.New to the GMT Master ref. 16700 was the addition of a sapphire crystal, utilizing new technology to create a virtually scratch resistant surface. The GMT Master ref. 16700 was contained in a new case, only available in stainless steel. The Date-wheel maintained vintage open numbers until around 1992. The Bezel was initially only available in the popular blue and red “Pepsi” combination. However, some collectors have ref. 16700’s with a plain black bezel. Either these were later changed on the owner’s request, or a very small number were produced with black bezels.The new model also contained a Tritum dial until 1997, and a Swiss Luminova dial beginning in 1998, both of which featured white gold indexes. Strength was built into ref. 16700 just as it was with other GMT Master models, feature pressure resistance up to 100 meters (330 feet) and an Oyster or Jubilé bracelet. Beginning in 1989, the GMT Master ref. 16700 featured Rolex’s patented Oysterlock technology. Designed to prevent accidental opening of the clasp and potential loss of the watch, Rolex’s Oysterlock technology added an extra level of strength and security.