Pepsi. Coke. Root Beer. Batman. The Rolex GMT-Master collection is famous for the quirky nicknames that fans have given its models, all inspired by their bi-colored bezels. While not as popular as the aforementioned models, the “Fat Lady” is one that definitely deserves your attention.
In 1983, Rolex began the new chapter of their pilot and traveler’s watch with the GMT-Master II. It introduced a host of new features to the collection, most notably, allowing the central hour hand and the 24-hour hand to be adjusted independent of each other. That first ever GMT-Master II was the reference 16760, better known in collector’s circles as the “Fat Lady”.
Here are 5 things to know about this iconic model:
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1. Why is the Rolex GMT-Master II 16760 called the “Fat Lady”?
Introduced in 1983, the ref 16760 marked the beginning of the new GMT-Master II collection, which ran alongside the GMT-Master range. This new watch allowed the 24-hour hand to be set independently from the central hour hands, thanks to the brand-new Caliber 3085.
This new movement called for a thicker case, and consequently, a wider bezel and larger winding crown, thus resulting in more generous proportions for the ref 16760. This prompted Rolex collecting circles to give it the nickname “Fat Lady”.
A more complimentary nickname for it is “Sophia Loren”, after the voluptuous Italian actress.
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2. The Rolex GMT-Master II 16760 Fat Lady is also a “Coke” model.
The two-colored bezel has always been a main selling point for the GMT-Master collection.
The ref 16760 is not only the first GMT-Master II model; it also marked the first appearance of a new color combo – red for daytime hours, and black for nighttime hours. This is now famously known as the “Coca-Cola” or “Coke”. All in all, this makes the ref 16760 the Rolex model with the most number of nicknames attached to it.
Moreover, a Rolex GMT-Master II 16760 will always be a Coke model, as it was only produced in this color. Unlike other GMT-Master and GMT-Master II references, it never appeared in other color schemes, and was never made in full gold or steel and gold.
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Rolex GMT-Master II Fat Lady Quick Facts
Reference: 16760
Year: 1983 – 1988
Case size: 40mm diameter, 12mm thickness
Material: Stainless steel
Bezel: Aluminum insert
Crystal: Sapphire
Lume: Tritium
Bracelet: Oyster and Jubilee
Movement: Rolex automatic caliber 3085
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3. The Rolex GMT-Master II 16760 allowed for the tracking of a third time zone.
The new Caliber 3085 introduced a sophisticated upgrade to the range: it dissociated the arrow-tipped GMT hand from the local hour hand, allowing the user to independently adjust the local time in one-hour increments without also adjusting the GMT, minutes, and seconds hands.
On previous GMT-Master models, both hands were linked to each other, so moving the GMT-hand also meant moving the central hour hand. With the GMT and main hand unlinked, the bezel can remain at standard position (with the triangle pointing 12), the GMT-hand can be set to home time, and the central hour hand can easily be pointed to local time in the wearer’s current destination.
Not only did this make the adjustment of local time easier, it also meant that the user can read a third time zone on the rotating bezel, from previously showing two time zones.
This prompted Rolex to create a new GMT-Master II range, not only to differentiate it from the GMT-Master, but also to mark this new development.
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4. The ref 16760 introduced a host of other new features.
In addition to the new movement, the Rolex GMT-Master II 16760 introduced other enhancements. From a plexiglass crystal, it switched to a more scratch-resistant sapphire crystal to protect the dial. It was also the first Rolex to use white gold surrounds for the indexes, which prevented them from tarnishing. Both of these features are now standard practice in Rolex watches.
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5. The Rolex GMT-Master II Fat Lady was only produced for five years.
It ran from 1983 to 1988, when Rolex released the ref 16710 to replace it. Its short production period means a limited number of models of existence, all the more adding to its collectability.
The Rolex GMT-Master II 16760 “Fat Lady” offers the best of both worlds: the aesthetics of a vintage Rolex watch, coupled with numerous modern innovations. With its place in Rolex’s history, the “Fat Lady” is a much coveted and highly collectible timepiece.
Learn more about Rolex history on The Watch Club blog or explore our selection of over 2,500 certified authentic, pre-owned luxury watches at SwissWatchExpo.com.
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