1999 Rolex GMT-Master II (Ref. 16718) 18k YG

The Rolex GMT is the jet-setting icon of the Rolex Sports watch family. The history of this sophisticated, versatile style Dates back to 1954 when Rolex received a request from Pan Am to create a technical pilots watch that could indicate two time zones simultaneously.   As advances in aviation made transcontinental flights commercially available Pan Am needed a watch that could be issued to their crews on the long-haul international flights.

GMT stands for Greenwich Mean Time – the time zone which regulates world clocks and is required for all aviation planning and schedules. The Rolex GMT Master has a fourth 24-hour hand that directly displays the same time zone as the standard 12-hour hand but on a 24-hour scale. The addition of this GMT hand enabled crews to set the watch to GMT or anOther time zone, and, using the rotating 24-hour scale bezel, correct the offset to display a second-time zone on the 24-hour scale.

This feature is just as useful today, allowing the modern traveler to easily keep track of his home time zone, no matter how far he may have journeyed.

CASE & Bracelet

The 18k yellow gold case of this 1999  Ref. 16718 GMT has been previously polished but remains in good preowned condition showing good case geometry and thick, full lugs. The original Black insert remains deep Black in coloration showing no visible fading and is free from any scratches and or blemishes. The watch will come supplied on a black nylon Nato strap with gold hardware.

DIAL & HANDS

Accessories 

None, The watch is keeping time at spec but extended service history is unknown..