Rolex GMT Master

We can’t deny it: there’s something to be said about the unique looks and timeless appeal of the Rolex GMT Master Reference 16753.

What it is we can’t quite put into words. We’ve had a handful of these during our time in the vintage watch world, and each one elicits an exclamation of awe. If we had to distill it into a few words, though, they would be: damn, the dial!

One thing you have to say about Rolex is that it’s consistent. Each product that has come out of its is dependable, reliable, and carries with it the quality that we’ve come to expect from the Crown. This carries over into the looks of the watches as well, resulting in a kind of uniformity—a universal sameness that, while certainly being a winning formula, could make collectors wish for some… color.

That’s where the “Root Beer” Reference 16753 GMT comes in.

For decades, the GMT Master was only made in stainless steel or 18k yellow gold—not both. That all changed when the Reference 16753 came out in the 1980s. The combination of the two metals is visually arresting, making the watch appear to vibrate to a 1980s synth-pop beat, a beat that somehow feels apropos today.

But some versions of 16753 were fitted with a dial that inspired some… well, inspired… nicknames.

We mean the variant known as “root beer,” “tiger eye,” “nipple dial,” and “Clint Eastwood” (after its most famous aficionado). Instead of a black dial that the GMT has had since the very beginning, this particular reference of GMT boasts a brown sunburst dial that is absolutely stunning. Capping it all off are hour indices with distinctive raised markers in the center.

Clint Eastwood simply loved his and wore it in a string of films starting with the 1982 classic Firefox, in which he played (what else?) a pilot.

Ours dates from 1985 and comes complete with its 78363/480 Oyster bracelet. A recent trip to the spa, complete with careful ultrasonic cleaning, really brings out the luster of the steel and gold Oyster case. So channel your inner Eastwood and take to the skies (or whatever mode of transport suits you) knowing that this tiger’s eye is sure to capture attention wherever you go.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.