The First Rolex GMT Master II

Bottom-line

Buy this watch if...

• You enjoy the process of wading through the idiosyracies of the vintage Rolex world, leading up to an informed purchasing decision. Because you think the hunt is as big a part of the total experience as the ownership. 
• You like the idea (not that you're actually going to do it, gosh no...) of being able to flex on the flexers.
• You like what Rolex once stood for as a supplier quality tools for professionals, but laments the fact that representative watches of that era have long been bidded up to stratospheric heights!
• You like the timeless designs of Rolex, but dislikes how the crowd have turned them into cliches. You're like a savy traveler yearning for an Eiffel Tower without the tourists and scammers trying to sell you key chains.

Don't by this watch if...

• You are looking for a 1-watch collection that serves daily practical needs.
• You don't want to think about your watches.
• You detests the brand and its surrounding vibes

Ramblings

This Rolex reference, 16760 is historically significant. But it's trading well below the Pepsi references (say, 16710) for no good reasons. A decent watch-only trades at around $12-15k USD at this moment. 

It is the first Rolex GMT master reference with:

• Independently adjustment local hour hand
• Sapphire cyrstal
• Black/Red bezel color scheme
• White-gold markers

The adjustable local hour, was a significant innovation. It is fitting to introduce a new Coke color scheme go with it. The sapphire and white-gold markers are quintessential traits that mark Rolex's transition from a maker of tools to a maker of luxury goods.

Hunting for one is fun. If you find this sort of thing fun. This model had a short run from 1984 to 1989. So it is relatively rare, but not insanely so.  Common consensus is that there are 3 dial variations. The most desirable variation being the first series dial (84 to 85), which has the distinction of having the text "Oyster Perpetual" intsead of "Oyster Perpetual Date". It is known as the "no date dial" for that reason. First series dials usually fetches at least a few more grands, if not more. Whether that's worth the premium is your call.

Comparisons 

Modern GMT models are really nice. I own the BLNR. They are luxurious and robust. If you neeed a practical watch that you don't need to think about, buy a modern GMT instead. The BLNR and BLRO are turning into a cliche though. They're common sightings at watch gatherings like Red Bar. I get a kick out of people asking me when I got the call from the dealer for my 16760. I usually just smile and said I bought it used at a good price. 

Bottom-line, when I leave the BLNR in the safe, I don't miss it for months. When the 16760 is in the safe, I miss it immediately.

Annoyance

You used to be able to walk in to an AD with a certified Rolex watch maker with a "Rolex parts account", and get simple repairs done locally without resorting to RSC. By simply fixes I mean things like replacing the clasp on your bracklet (they do wear out), swapping out a chipped crystal. In recent years however, Rolex has tightened up supplying parts. So unless you can source the exact part you need from forums and such (and good luck with that with a relatively esoteric model like this one), the only game in town is Rolex service center (RSC). But as soon as your go the RSC route, now you have to deal with the risk of them replacing the watch with a service dial, and other shinanagans that are at-odds with the value held sacred by the vintage community. 

Hope all this is helpful and fun. The star rating categories don't really apply to a watch like this in my humble opinion. So I left them at 3 stars and let you decide.

On to the pictures: