THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 16753
YEAR: 1980
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL / 18K YELLOW GOLD
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL / 18K YELLOW GOLD
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

As a transitional model alongside the 16750, the Rolex GMT-Master 16753 featured the automatic calibre 3075, offering a quickset date and a higher beat rate—both upgrades from the 1675/3. The watch is also notable for another distinctive feature: the “Nipple Dial,” named for the unique gold hour markers that protrude slightly from the surface.

It always amazes us that “Rootbeer” GMTs only took off with the modern GMT-Master II; they are arguably some of the most wonderful colours Rolex has ever come up with. The brown dial on this example is flawless, along with the nipple markers. The tritium lume has aged to a uniform and gorgeous creamy hue.