Rolex GMT-Master. History in a watch.

Dec 04, 2016,12:31 PM
 

From 1972 with Mark 2 dial.


Originally purchased by one Joel Kleiman (who apparently worked in Room 5012 of the US Embassy) on February 19, 1977 from the American Embassy Community Association Retail Store in Bad Godesberg, Bonn, West Germany for the princely sum of $327. (And it looks like with an employee discount the total was actually $278).

I bought this watch set from a well-known and trusted dealer from Miami several years ago.



The caseback sticker was saved and stuck on the back of the punched papers.



The green passport holder has seen better days. 1960s - 1970s era plastic becomes brittle over time.



More pictures of the watch.

The tritium luminous on the hands and dial have mellowed to a very pleasing matching ivory color.







Nice bevels.



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Thanks D!

 
 By: reintitan : December 4th, 2016-12:50
The condition is tops!

Amazing set!

 
 By: Bounce781 : December 4th, 2016-12:48
Do you ever wear it or is it a safe queen?

I do wear it, but very carefully since the folded link bracelet has too many links

 
 By: reintitan : December 4th, 2016-12:57
so the watch wears loose on my wrist. Unfortunately, I don't have the correct tools to size it so I'll have to make a trip out to Giovanni at the Rolex Service Center in San Francisco to get it done. That's a 16700 in the pic below. ...  

I would not resize the original blacelet. I would use the one from your 16700 or something that already fits.

 
 By: Bill : December 4th, 2016-15:00
Leave the original intact it looks to be in great shepe. Move the clasp spring to the last knotch if that is not enough just wear it on another bracelet.

What you purchased was a time capsule!

 
 By: JToddH : December 4th, 2016-13:01
It's amazing to have such a complete set so wonderfully preserved and in tact.

I wish I had a time machine

 
 By: reintitan : December 4th, 2016-13:08
and could go back and buy more 1970s Rolex like 1016s, 1655s, 1019s, and Daytonas!

What beautiful full set.

 
 By: Bill : December 4th, 2016-14:10
You should see if the original owner would give you a little letter or a story togo with the watch. Bill

Bill that's a wonderful idea, sadly

 
 By: reintitan : December 4th, 2016-14:19
the search for the original owner ended abruptly as I have discovered that he passed away in 2005. He was assigned to many posts all over the world while at the State Department with Bonn being just one stop. After retirement he went on to become a philan...  

In these cases the family may have a story.

 
 By: Bill : December 4th, 2016-14:33
I know it sounds morbid but it is celebrating a life.

That is a brilliant find! Well done.

 
 By: Harry2 : December 4th, 2016-16:09
Great history too, as soon as I read your description I though of John Le Carre\'s \'A Small Town in Germany\'. Perhaps you should read that book while wearing this watch!

Thanks for showing-- definitely a collector piece.

 
 By: pastaboy1939 : December 4th, 2016-17:03
Wear as you like, but don't lose it-- just too Kool with all the history and papers.

Great find!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : December 5th, 2016-00:37
Congratulation! Best Blomman

Thanks for sharing

 
 By: BuyOptions : December 5th, 2016-09:31
one could only imagine the stories that watch could tell.