Since its introduction in 1954, the Rolex GMT-Master has been the watch of choice for the world traveler. With each passing year, the GMT-Master continues to grow in popularity. The first GMT-Master was ref. 6542 and was in production from 1954 – 1959. Some of the features of the Rolex GMT-Master that make it so popular is the GMT hand and the rotating 24-hour graduated bezel, both of which allow the wearer to keep track of the time in three other time zones. Throughout the model’s history, it has held onto its position in the market as the watch of choice for world travelers and pilots.
In 1957, the stainless steel Rolex GMT-Master 1675 was priced at $240 ($2,027 with inflation). Just a few years later, in 1978, the price for the GMT-Master 1675 increased to $795, or $2,984 when adjusting for inflation. In 1986, the 1675 had a price of $1,450 ($3,092 with inflation). The price of the 1675 in 1996 was $3,300 ($5,010 when adjusted for inflation). This model was in production from 1959 – 1980.
The Rolex GMT-Master 16750 was introduced in 1981 and was in production through 1988. The model essentially replaced the GMT-Maser 1675. The 16750 came with a quickset feature, which changed the order of the GMT, seconds, minutes, and hour hands.
The year 1983 saw the introduction of the Rolex GMT-Master II, 16760, which was the first GMT-Master II. It was thicker than the GMT-Master, giving it the nickname “Fat Lady.” This was also the first time the “Coke” bezel was introduced. The earlier GMT models either came with a “Pepsi” dial, or the brown and gold dial.
From 1988 – 1999, the Rolex GMT-Master 16700 was in production and was introduced to replace the 16750. It was available with either a “Pepsi” dial, “Coke” bezel, or all black bezel.
The stainless steel Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 was introduced in 1998 and was in production until 2008. It was available with a “Coke” bezel, “Pepsi” bezel, or just a black bezel. The 16710 had a price of $1,625 in 1986 ($3,465 with inflation). In 2004, the 16710 was priced at $4,250 (or $5,473 with inflation). It was priced at $5,750 in 2008 ($6,380 when adjusted for inflation). The 16710 is just slightly more expensive than the 16700.
The latest Rolex GMT-Master II is the ref. 116710, which was introduced in 2007 and is still in production today. With its different variations, the watch can be purchased with a black and blue bezel, black bezel, as well as the “Coke” and “Pepsi” bezel.
The GMT-Master II 116713LN, which is a variation of the 116710, was introduced in 2006 at a price of $8,900 ($10,540 with inflation). In 2008, the model was priced at $10,350 ($11,484 when adjusted for inflation). The price for this model was $13,000 ($13,425 with inflation) in 2012. This model is available in stainless steel and 18kt yellow gold.
In 2006, the 18kt yellow gold Rolex GMT-Master 116818 was introduced in honor of the model’s 60th anniversary. It could be purchased for $22,750 in 2006 ($26,940 with inflation). The watch had a price of $25,550 in 2008 ($28,350 with inflation) and was priced at $33,250 ($34,337 with inflation) in 2012.
The Rolex GMT-Master is an extremely popular watch. Because of the strong demand for this watch, these models hold their value extremely well.
The ability of the Rolex GMT-Master to hold its value applies to used or pre-owned GMT-Master watches as well. If you own a Rolex GMT-Master and were interested in determining the value of your used watch, you can request a free quote on the worth of your watch from Crown & Caliber.
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