The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Fratello’s five less obvious Rolex GMT-Master picks span vintage steel, two-tone gold and steel, and modern full gold. They are not presented as the five most historically important references: Jorg Weppelink says the selection deliberately leaves those aside. His list is the GMT-Master II 116718LN, GMT-Master 16750, GMT-Master 1675/3, GMT-Master II 16710, and GMT-Master II 126713GRNR. Here is what distinguishes each, and what to check when comparing them.
What makes these five GMT-Masters less obvious picks?
Weppelink’s Fratello article, published March 28, 2025, is a subjective selection rather than a definitive ranking. It pairs less-familiar details—such as a transitional vintage reference, an unusual brown-and-gold palette, and a particular faded-bezel variant—with modern precious-metal watches. The technical descriptions and prices below are those reported in that article, not independently verified specifications or current valuations.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Men Watch Pagani Design GMT Watches for Men Automatic 40MM Date 100M Waterproof Stainless Steel... | $155.00 | Buy on Amazon |
1. GMT-Master II 116718LN: the full-gold anniversary watch
Weppelink presents the 116718LN as a 50th-anniversary GMT-Master II. The article describes a 40 mm full-gold “Super Case,” green dial, and black Cerachrom bezel, and calls it the first Rolex model to feature a Cerachrom bezel insert. It attributes the watch’s operation to caliber 3186, running at 28,800 vph with a 50-hour power reserve.
The appeal is its unconventional combination of a green dial and black bezel in a gold case. Weppelink notes that the model was not immediately popular with everyone, but considers it an appealing modern GMT-Master today. That is his assessment, not a consensus ranking.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →#1 Best Overall
- Precise GMT Dual-Timekeeping: PAGANI DESIGN 40mm men’s watch features a tactical movement for consistent timekeeping, ideal for business trips, cross-timezone travel, and daily use. The GMT function simplifies tracking two timezones, catering to frequent travelers or those connecting with overseas contacts
- Equipped with adjustable Triple Bead/Jubilee Stainless Steel Bracelet: Triple Bead Bracelet adopts sturdy three-link structure,The bracelet comes with screw-in links and a free small screwdriver for easy resizing (simple operation even for beginners). Safety folding buckle ensures secure fit after adjustment, providing comfortable all-day wear.
- Self-winding Automatic Movement: Reliable performance requires daily wear (8+ hours) or 20-30 manual crown winds (clockwise rotation to kickstart). The watch is built with 316L stainless steel case (durable and anti-corrosion) and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective convex lens (effectively reducing glare, protecting dial from scratches), merging durability with modern style for long-term use
- 100M/10Bar/10ATM Water Resistant: Adopts classic screw-down crown with double waterproofing system (shoulders on both sides integrated into center case), tested by professional precision instruments for reliable water resistance. Suitable for swimming and diving. Cooperating with the luminescent hands and markers, it can meet the needs of low-light or underwater use, ensuring clear reading in various environments
- Package Includes: 1 x Pagani Design GMT PD-1662 Watch, 1 x Elegant Watch Box, 1 x Brand Card, 1 x User Manual, 1 x Fiber Cloth, 1 x Small Screwdriver (for bracelet resizing). We provide 24/7 online customer service—feel free to leave messages for any product questions (movement use, bracelet adjustment, waterproof maintenance, etc.), and we will reply promptly to ensure a satisfactory shopping experience
2. GMT-Master 16750: a transitional vintage reference
The 16750 is described as a transitional reference produced from 1980 to 1988, bridging the earlier 1675 and the subsequent generation. Fratello attributes its practical changes to caliber 3075: a higher 28,800 vph frequency than the earlier 1575, a quickset date, and water resistance increased from 50 to 100 meters.
Dial choice is a defining distinction. Early examples have matte black dials with painted luminous markers; later watches have glossy dials and white-gold markers. Weppelink favors the earlier matte version, while recognizing both as part of the reference’s appeal. Buyers comparing a 16750 with a 1675 should pay particular attention to the date-setting feature and the specific dial configuration rather than treating every 16750 as visually identical.
3. GMT-Master 1675/3: the brown-and-gold two-tone
Introduced in 1970, the 1675/3 is described by Fratello as the first two-tone GMT-Master. It combines a 40 mm steel case with a yellow-gold bezel and crown, a brown-and-gold bezel insert, and a dark brown dial with gold indexes and small lume plots. Its distinctive palette sets it apart from the more familiar steel-and-color bezel combinations.
Collectors have used nicknames including “Clint Eastwood,” “Tiger Eye” or “Tiger Auge,” and “Root Beer.” These are informal names, not formal Rolex model names. The article says the watch used caliber 1575 until the 16753 replaced it in 1980. Weppelink usually prefers an Oyster bracelet, but makes an exception for this watch, favoring the two-tone Jubilee.
4. GMT-Master II 16710: three bezel looks, including a faded Pepsi
Produced from the late 1980s until 2007, the 16710 came with full-black, red-and-black “Coke,” and blue-and-red “Pepsi” bezel configurations. Fratello calls it the last GMT-Master with an aluminum bezel. The article gives caliber 3185 as the usual movement, with some final examples already using caliber 3186; it reports 28,800 vph and a 50-hour power reserve for the 3185.
What to know about the faded Pepsi bezel
Weppelink singles out some 2001 and 2002 Pepsi examples whose red bezel sections appeared faded from new. He suggests looking for K or Y serial numbers from those years when seeking that look. This is attributed collector guidance, not an official Rolex authentication rule. Fratello also warns that many inserts were later replaced, so a serial number alone cannot establish that a watch retains its original bezel. Check the insert and the watch’s history carefully.
5. GMT-Master II 126713GRNR: a modern two-tone option
The 126713GRNR is the contemporary steel-and-yellow-gold choice in the list. Fratello says it debuted alongside a full-gold sibling two years before the March 2025 article. Its described details include a 40 mm case, black dial with gold hands, gray-and-black bezel with gold markings, and a yellow-gold-and-steel Jubilee bracelet.
The article identifies caliber 3285 as a chronometer-rated automatic GMT movement running at 28,800 vph with a 70-hour power reserve. Weppelink likes the watch’s vintage-inspired look among modern GMT-Masters. That is a style preference, rather than a claim that it is a vintage model.
How to compare the five references
| Reference | Era or production detail | Standout look | Movement detail reported by Fratello |
|---|---|---|---|
| 116718LN | 50th-anniversary model | Full gold, green dial, black Cerachrom bezel | Caliber 3186; 28,800 vph; 50-hour reserve |
| 16750 | 1980–1988; transitional reference | Early matte or later glossy dial | Caliber 3075; 28,800 vph; quickset date |
| 1675/3 | Introduced in 1970; replaced by 16753 in 1980 | Steel and yellow gold with brown dial and bezel | Caliber 1575 |
| 16710 | Late 1980s–2007 | Black, Coke, or Pepsi aluminum bezel | Usually caliber 3185; some final examples with 3186 |
| 126713GRNR | Debuted two years before the March 2025 article | Steel and yellow gold, gray-and-black bezel | Caliber 3285; 28,800 vph; 70-hour reserve |
These descriptions come from Jorg Weppelink’s March 28, 2025 Fratello article; they are not a controlled technical comparison. For a vintage example, condition, originality, dial variant, bezel condition, and bracelet configuration matter alongside reference number. For a modern watch, the decision may turn more on whether you want steel, two-tone, or full gold and which dial-and-bezel combination suits you.
Prices in the March 2025 article
All figures here are the article’s dated market or retail context, not live quotes or a present-day appraisal. The reported ranges are not necessarily directly comparable: they refer to different watches and, in some cases, particular conditions or configurations.
| Reference | Price reported by Fratello in March 2025 | Qualification in the article |
|---|---|---|
| 116718LN | Starting just under €31,000; some examples nearly three times that | Article-era asking-price discussion; no present-day valuation implied |
| 16750 | Just under €10,000 to €18,000 | Upper end described for an example with box, papers, and a pristine bezel |
| 1675/3 | A little over €10,000 to €20,000 | Examples in good condition |
| 16710 | About €8,000 to €20,000 overall; roughly €13,000–€16,000 for faded-bezel examples | March 2025 article figures; faded inserts may have been replaced |
| 126713GRNR | €18,650 retail; €17,000–€20,000 pre-owned | Retail figure at publication, compared with a €16,450 introduction price |
For the vintage references especially, a broad range cannot substitute for assessing the individual watch. The article does not provide an independent inspection or a standardized valuation method.
Source and scope
This selection and its specifications, opinions, and March 2025 price references are attributed to Jorg Weppelink, “Fratello’s Top 5 Less Obvious Rolex GMT-Master Models,” Fratello, March 28, 2025. The article’s technical claims are presented here as its reporting; no Rolex specification page was available for independent confirmation.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
