No Reserve: Rolex GMT Root Beer Ref. 16713

The History

There is some debate in the watch world regarding what constitutes a Root Beer GMT. One side of the argument says that in order to be a Root Beer the watch needs to have a bezel with two shades of brown. The other side of the table says that any GMT with a brown bezel, whether solid or two shades is a Root Beer. We happen to think that any brown bezel makes it a Root Beer but let us know which side you’re on in the comments below. Making these watches even cooler is their connection to one particularly badass actor, Clint Eastwood. Eastwood famously wore a GMT Master Ref 16753 through much of his personal life but also in at least three of his movies. Firefox in 1982, Tightrope in 1984, and In The Line of Fire in 1993. Unfortunately, Eastwoods relationship with the model hasn’t had the same impact as Paul Newman and the Daytona but that just means that you can purchase one at a reasonable price.

The Reference

The Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 16713 represents the third generation of Rolex GMT models to bear the Root Beer designation and the first generation of the Master II to bear such a moniker. Being a GMT-Master II, the reference 16713 is a thoroughly modern watch. It features a sapphire crystal, three timezone GMT function, solid end link bracelet, and more but there are two places where this watch has a nod to the vintage world and that is in its lume and the bezel. This watch features tritium lume, which would be replaced later in this model lifetime, and an aluminum bezel, by a ceramic bezel in the current version of the GMT-Master II.

This particular example comes as a complete set with box and papers dated 1998 and sold by a jeweler named Alpha Omega out of Boston. There is an interesting story about the owner of that jewelry store who ended up fleeing the US in the mid 2000s, but we will let you google that one on your own.

The Case and Bracelet

The condition of the 40mm steel and yellow gold Oyster case is excellent. The lugs appear to have been polished in the past exhibiting sharp attractive bevels and correct brushed finish. All of the components appear to be correct and original to the watch. The two-tone oyster bracelet also shows in excellent condition with the clasp showing the most significant signs of wear with scratching that is normal with some wear. The caseback shows little to no signs of improper removal marks or scratches.

The Dial and Hands

The dial and hands are in excellent condition with no faults to note. All of the components are correct for the watch and thought to be original. As mentioned above, being produced in the first generation of this reference, the watch features tritium luminous material. The lume is in excellent condition and the color is consistent throughout the dial and hands.

The Movement

This watch features the Rolex calibre 3185 automatic movement. The watch is running well with all functions of the GMT feature functioning as expected. The service history is unknown.

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