Rolex GMT-Master 16760 Fat Lady Tropical Dial

amanico · 2014-12-30T00:02:31Z

Explore the Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 16760 'Fat Lady' with its unique tropical dial and historical significance for collectors.

amanico

WPS member · Rolex forum

46 replies15325 views3 photos

Amanico presents a detailed look at the Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 16760, affectionately known as the 'Fat Lady.' He challenges the implications of its nickname, highlighting the watch's superb aesthetics, particularly its tropical dial, and discusses specific vintage collector details.

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I never got why such a nickname. Fat Lady suggests a less than gracious Watch, while this one is just superb, with it awesome tropical dial.

Ok, the story says that Fat Lady is an evocation of the bigger case. But it is not that thick, and, at least, it doesn't loose its beauty.

The Vintage Rolex geeks will notice that this specimen lacks the "Date" writing after " Oyster Perpetual ", too.

Here are the pics I could take a few days ago, with the kind permission of its Lucky owner.

This is the first time I see such a patina on a Fat Lady. Really impressive. Most commonly, these are the indexes which " warm " with time. Here you have both...

The Brown insert is complimenting the dial very well. A superb GMT-Master, for sure!

Best,

Nicolas

About the Rolex GMT Master Ref. 16760

The Rolex GMT Master reference 16760 is a distinct offering within the GMT Master line. It features a sapphire crystal and tritium dial and hands. This reference is noted by collectors as a "neo vintage" model, bridging earlier and later designs.

This particular reference is equipped with a sapphire crystal. The dial and hands utilize tritium luminescence, which can develop a warm patina over time. No specific case materials or movement details are provided.

The 16760 appeals to collectors seeking a GMT Master with both a sapphire crystal and tritium components. It is considered by some to offer a blend of characteristics from different eras of the GMT Master production.

Specifications

Caliber: 3085

Case: Stainless Steel

Diameter: 40mm

Dial: Black (often patinas to tropical brown)

Water Resist.: 100m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 16760 was produced for a short period and featured a thicker case than its predecessors, leading to its 'Fat Lady' nickname.
Early glossy dials of the 16760 and 16750 can be found without the 'Date' text, simply reading 'Oyster Perpetual', typically in the 8 to 9 million serial range.
The 16760 is distinguished by its independent hour hand setting and a bi-directional ratcheting bezel, differing from the unidirectional bezel of the Submariner 16660 of the same era.
The 16760 exclusively features glossy, circled index dials, while the 16750 had both matte and glossy dial variations.
Tropical dials on the 16760, where the black dial has aged to a brown patina, are highly sought after by collectors.
Some early glossy dials, particularly on the 16760, are prone to developing 'spider' cracks, which can be a characteristic of these vintage pieces.

The Discussion

DrStrong

Dec 30, 2014

That is very unusual...

..you sometimes see this dial patina on some 16800, but I have never seen it on a saphire GMT. Thanks for sharing that special watch !

amanico

Dec 30, 2014

Yes, on a 16800, I already saw that. I wonder if you didn't had one like this, by the way.

But on a Sapphire GMT, this is a first... And a superb first one! Best, Nicolas

amanico

Dec 30, 2014

Aaah, I feel better, now. I seemed to remember that one. ;) [nt]

Bill

Dec 30, 2014

With some extra punch Tiffany & Co. [nt]

Bill

Dec 30, 2014

The Rolex 16760 and 16750 are great transitional models produced for short period.

Produced for a very short period and replaced by the 16700 and the 16710 basically less expensive/costly model 16700. The "non" date dial configuration appears with both the 16760 and 16750 in the very early glossy dials usually early 8 mil to early 9 mil. Non date is not the lack of date function/complication but the lack of the text "date" on the dial simply "Oyster Perpetual". The 16760 had the ability to set the hour hand independently and ratcheting bidirection bezel different to for exampl

amanico

Dec 30, 2014

The big difference is also that the 16750 did have a matte dial.

And a glossy dial, the matte being issued for the very first years, while the glossy is more common. With the 16760, you have only glossy / circled indexes dial. Both of these 2 references are Worth being hunted, from a GMT Fan's perspective! Best, Bill. Nicolas