The GMT-Master is Rolex's travel icon, and its value swings dramatically between references and bezel colourways. A vintage 1675 with a faded Pepsi insert is a different proposition entirely from a current ceramic 126710BLRO. We identify your exact reference, confirm the bezel and bracelet, grade the case and dial, and account for the box and papers before we put a figure to it.
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The short answer
To sell a Rolex GMT-Master or GMT-Master II in the UK, identify the exact reference and bezel colourway before accepting any figure — value swings dramatically between a vintage 1675 Pepsi, a five-digit 16710 and a current ceramic 126710BLRO or Batman. Fair Vintage identifies the reference from the engraving between the lugs, confirms the bezel and bracelet, grades the case and dial, accounts for the box and papers, and gives a written valuation. Payment is by bank transfer within 72 hours, with free insured postage both ways and no obligation to accept.
"GMT-Master" spans more than seventy years of production, from the pilot's watch developed with Pan American Airways in the 1950s to the current ceramic-bezel GMT-Master II. Across that run there are two distinct model lines — the original GMT-Master and the later GMT-Master II — and within each, references that trade in completely different markets. The single most important step before selling is identifying exactly which one you own, because the difference in value between references, and even between bezel variants of the same reference, can be an order of magnitude.
The key mechanical distinction is the hand set. The original GMT-Master (up to the 16750) has a 24-hour hand geared to the main hands, so the second time zone is read off the rotating bezel. The GMT-Master II, introduced with the 16760 in the early 1980s, added an independently adjustable local hour hand — you can jump the 12-hour hand forward or back without disturbing the running of the watch, tracking a third zone with the bezel. Knowing which system your watch uses immediately narrows the reference.
These are the headline references we assess most often. Movement calibres and case sizes changed within some references over their production runs; we confirm the exact configuration on inspection.
| Reference | Model & era | Bezel | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6542 | Original GMT-Master, 1954–1959 | Bakelite insert (early), later aluminium | Cal. 1030 / 1036 |
| 1675 | GMT-Master, 1959–1980 | Aluminium, no crown guards early ("PCG") | Cal. 1565 / 1575 |
| 16750 | Transitional GMT-Master, 1981–1988 | Aluminium, quickset date, sapphire late | Cal. 3075 |
| 16710 | Five-digit GMT-Master II, 1989–2007 | Aluminium, three insert options | Cal. 3185 / 3186 |
| 116710LN / 116710BLNR | Ceramic GMT-Master II, 2007–2019 | Cerachrom (black; blue-black "Batman") | Cal. 3186 |
| 126710BLRO / 126710BLNR | Current GMT-Master II, 2018–present | Cerachrom (red-blue "Pepsi"; blue-black) | Cal. 3285 |
The definitive vintage GMT-Master. Long production means many dial, insert and case variants — gilt dials, matte dials, "PCG" pointed crown guards, and faded Pepsi or all-black inserts. Originality of the dial, hands, insert and 24-hour hand, plus case sharpness, drive value enormously. Untouched, unpolished examples command a strong premium.
The bridge reference: quickset date and, later in the run, the switch from acrylic to sapphire crystal. Matte and glossy dial variants each have their following. Insert fading, dial condition and whether the case has been polished are the key value factors across this transitional GMT-Master.
The long-lived aluminium GMT-Master II, offered with Pepsi, Coke and all-black inserts and, late in production, the "stick dial." A versatile modern-vintage reference. Insert colourway, dial variant, full set and service history set the figure.
The Cerachrom generation: the black 116710LN and the blue-and-black "Batman" 116710BLNR, a waiting-list watch from launch. The maxi case and ceramic bezel introduced modern proportions. Full sets — box, dated card and accessories — matter increasingly on these references.
The steel Pepsi 126710BLRO and blue-black 126710BLNR on the updated calibre 3285. These trade close to retail and waiting-list dynamics, so condition, full set and date of purchase are decisive. A recent, complete example is straightforward for us to value precisely.
Two-tone Rolesor and solid-gold GMT-Masters carry both watch and metal value — the brown-and-gold "Root Beer" (vintage 1675/3, 16753 and modern Everose 126711CHNR) has a devoted following, as do gold references such as the 116718LN and green-dial 126718GRNR. We assess desirability first, with gold content accounted for separately.
Do not polish it before selling. On vintage and even modern GMT-Masters, a sharp, unpolished case with intact bevels and lugs is worth more than a freshly buffed one. A well-meaning "tidy up" — or swapping a faded insert for a fresh one — can permanently remove value. Leave the watch exactly as it is, keep any spare parts you have, and let our specialists assess it in original condition.
No other detail defines a GMT-Master in the collector's mind like its bezel. The 24-hour rotating bezel was designed so pilots could read a second time zone at a glance, and over the decades Rolex has offered a run of two-colour combinations that have earned their own nicknames. The colourway drives demand, and whether the insert is original to the reference is one of the first things we check — a swapped or service-replaced insert changes both the character and the value of the watch.
| Nickname | Colours | Key references | Desirability notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepsi | Red & blue | 1675, 16750, 16710, 126710BLRO, 116719BLRO (white gold) | The original and most iconic combination. Faded vintage inserts and the current steel Pepsi both command strong premiums. |
| Coke | Red & black | 16760, 16710 | A GMT-Master II-era favourite. Original Coke inserts on a correct five-digit reference are increasingly sought after. |
| Batman | Blue & black | 116710BLNR, 126710BLNR | A waiting-list watch since the 2013 launch. Strong, steady demand across both the ceramic and current generations. |
| Root Beer | Brown & gold / black & brown | 1675/3, 16753, 126711CHNR (Everose) | Two-tone and Everose. A distinctive, collector-driven colourway with a loyal following and precious-metal content. |
| Sprite | Green & black | 126720VTNR (left-hand "destro") | The 2022 left-handed release: crown and date at 9 o'clock. Novel configuration with high initial demand. |
| Batgirl | Blue & black on Jubilee | 126710BLNR (Jubilee bracelet) | The Batman colourway on the Jubilee bracelet, nicknamed separately by collectors. Bracelet choice is a key demand signal. |
Nicknames are collector shorthand, not Rolex terminology, and the same colourway can appear across several references and metals — which is exactly why we tie the colourway back to the confirmed reference before valuing your GMT-Master. A "Pepsi" on a 1675 and a "Pepsi" on a 126710BLRO are entirely different watches in entirely different markets.
On vintage references the balance tips heavily toward originality and character — an even, consistently faded insert and an untouched gilt dial can transform a 1675's value. On modern ceramic and current references the market rewards completeness and condition: a full set with a dated card, unpolished and recently serviced, sits at the top of the range for its reference.
The reference number is engraved between the lugs at the 12 o'clock side and is visible only once the bracelet is removed; the serial number sits at the 6 o'clock side. On modern references from around 2005 the serial is also engraved on the rehaut (the inner bezel ring) around the dial. If you would rather not remove the bracelet, email us clear photographs of the dial, the caseback, the clasp codes and any paperwork, and we will identify the reference and period for you before you send anything.
A few quick tells help narrow things down. A four-digit reference (1675, 6542) means vintage GMT-Master; a five-digit reference beginning "167" (16750, 16700, 16710, 16760) spans the transitional and early GMT-Master II era; and a six-digit reference beginning "116" or "126" is a modern ceramic or current GMT-Master II. If the local hour hand can be set independently of the main hands, you have a GMT-Master II. For a deeper primer, see our guide to Rolex serial numbers and dating and our guide to selling a Rolex in the UK.
We buy the GMT-Master with and without its box and papers — a missing set never stops a sale — but a complete, correct set adds value, and how much depends on the reference. On the current 126710 and the ceramic 116710 references, buyers expect a "full set": the outer and inner boxes, the warranty or guarantee card (ideally dated and matching the watch), the swing tags, the booklets and the anchor or bezel card. A dated card in particular can move the figure on a current Pepsi or Batman.
On vintage 1675 and 16750 references, the paperwork that matters is different: original punched guarantee papers, the correct-period box, the service history and any original receipts. These are rarer to survive, so when they do accompany an honest, unpolished watch they carry a real premium. Originality of the watch itself sits alongside the paperwork — a correct dial, hands, insert, crown and bracelet for the reference is worth more than a mixed or "improved" example, however tidy it looks.
Send the spares, not just the watch. If you have removed bracelet links, an original clasp, a spare insert, the guarantee card, service pouches or old receipts, include them. On a GMT-Master these small pieces can each add to the figure, and we itemise what every element contributes in the written valuation rather than lumping them together.
If your GMT-Master is part of a wider group — a Submariner, a Datejust, a Daytona or a mix of brands — we can assess the whole collection under one written report rather than piece by piece. Travel-watch owners often accumulate a small set over a career, and a coherent group can be valued and settled together. See our Rolex collection page, or for a single model, our dedicated Rolex Submariner page and Rolex Daytona page. For a broader starting point, our sell my Rolex and Rolex valuation pages explain the process end to end.
Exact reference and bezel identified. Condition graded honestly. Box and papers valued. Free insured postage both ways. No obligation — we return your watch free if you decline the offer.
Request a free valuation →How do I find the reference number on my Rolex GMT-Master?
The reference number on a Rolex GMT-Master is engraved between the lugs at the 12 o'clock side, visible only when the bracelet is removed; the serial sits at 6 o'clock — for example 1675 (vintage), 16750 (transitional), 16710 (five-digit GMT-Master II), 116710LN and 116710BLNR (ceramic), and 126710BLRO and 126710BLNR (current). If you cannot remove the bracelet on your GMT-Master, email us a photo of the dial, caseback and any paperwork and we will identify the reference for you.
Is a Pepsi or Batman bezel GMT-Master worth more?
The bezel colourway is one of the strongest demand signals on a GMT-Master. The red-and-blue "Pepsi" is the original and most iconic combination, and on the current steel 126710BLRO it commands significant premiums; on vintage 1675 and 16750 references a faded original Pepsi insert is highly prized. The blue-and-black "Batman" (116710BLNR and 126710BLNR) has been a waiting-list watch since launch. We assess whether the insert is original to the reference and factor the colourway into the GMT-Master valuation.
Does a Jubilee or Oyster bracelet change what my GMT-Master is worth?
It can, because certain GMT-Master references are strongly associated with one bracelet. Vintage 1675 examples came on both Oyster and Jubilee, and an original correct-period bracelet adds value. On current references the choice between Jubilee and Oyster is a buyer preference that affects desirability — the ceramic Pepsi 126710BLRO launched on Jubilee, and market appetite for each configuration shifts over time. We assess the head and the bracelet of your GMT-Master separately and explain how the specific bracelet affects the figure.
Do I need the box and papers to sell my GMT-Master?
No — we buy the GMT-Master with and without box and papers. However, the original box, warranty card, guarantee papers and accessories do add value, particularly on modern ceramic references where a full set is expected and on the current 126710 where a dated card matters. For vintage 1675 and 16750 references, original punched papers, service receipts and the correct-period box can make a meaningful difference. Send whatever you have with your GMT-Master and we itemise what each element contributes in the written valuation.
How much is a two-tone or gold GMT-Master worth?
A two-tone (Rolesor) or solid-gold GMT-Master carries both watch value and metal value. The steel-and-gold "Root Beer" — vintage 1675/3 and 16753 and the modern Everose 126711CHNR — has a devoted following, while full-gold references such as the 18kt 116718LN and the 126718GRNR green-dial add precious-metal weight to the figure. We assess the movement, the bezel colourway and market desirability of your GMT-Master first, then account for the gold content separately where relevant, rather than valuing it as scrap.
Do you buy a GMT-Master that is not running or is damaged?
Yes. A non-running, water-damaged or scratched GMT-Master still holds substantial value because the case, movement, dial, bezel and bracelet all carry worth in their own right — and the GMT-Master name commands demand regardless of running status. We assess the extent of any damage and the cost of returning the watch to condition, then offer accordingly. Do not attempt to open, wind aggressively or service your GMT-Master before sending it to us.
How much is a Rolex GMT-Master worth in the UK?
It varies enormously by reference, bezel colourway and condition. A vintage 1675 with an original faded insert or a gilt dial can be worth many times a common five-digit example, while a current steel Pepsi or Batman trades on waiting-list and full-set dynamics. Rather than quote a generic figure for a GMT-Master, we identify your exact reference, confirm the bezel and bracelet, account for the box and papers, and provide a written valuation that explains every element of the figure.
How do you make sure my GMT-Master is genuine and not a fake?
Every GMT-Master is inspected by a specialist. We check the case, dial and hand finishing, the movement through the caseback, the reference and serial engravings, the bracelet and clasp codes, the 24-hour hand and the bezel insert against the correct specification for the reference. Rolex is one of the most counterfeited brands, and GMT-Master "Frankenwatches" built from mixed parts — a swapped insert, a service dial, a wrong 24-hour hand — are common. Our assessment identifies replaced or non-original components as well as outright fakes, and we explain exactly what we find.
Should I sell my GMT-Master privately, at auction or to a specialist buyer?
Each route has trade-offs for a GMT-Master. A private sale can reach a high price but carries payment-fraud and meeting risks; auction can suit a rare vintage 1675 with a desirable dial or insert but adds seller's commission and can take months. A specialist buyer such as Fair Vintage offers a fast, insured, written valuation with payment in 72 hours and no fees to you. For a current Pepsi or Batman or a common five-digit GMT-Master the specialist route is usually the most efficient; for an exceptional vintage piece we will tell you honestly if auction might serve you better.
Do you buy a Rolex GMT-Master inherited through probate or an estate?
Regularly. Inherited GMT-Masters are among the watches we see most often — the model's travel and pilot associations mean many were bought as career or retirement pieces and passed down. We provide clear written valuations for your GMT-Master suitable for executors as well as purchase offers, identify the reference and period, never rush a family decision, and return the watch free if you decline. A written figure gives multiple beneficiaries an independent, evidenced basis to divide or sell an estate watch.
Will I pay Capital Gains Tax when I sell a Rolex GMT-Master?
A watch is a personal possession, so Capital Gains Tax can apply if your GMT-Master sells for more than the £6,000 chattels threshold and shows a gain over what you paid or its probate value. A common five-digit GMT-Master may sit near that threshold; a desirable vintage 1675 or a current steel Pepsi can exceed it comfortably. We are not tax advisers — for a high-value or inherited GMT-Master, confirm your position with HMRC guidance or an accountant. We provide the written sale figures you need.
What is the difference between a GMT-Master and a GMT-Master II?
Both are dual-time-zone Rolex travel watches, but the GMT-Master II adds an independently adjustable local hour hand, letting you jump the 12-hour hand forward or back without stopping the watch — ideal for tracking three time zones with the rotating bezel. The original GMT-Master (references up to the 16750) has a 24-hour hand and main hands linked together; the GMT-Master II (from the 16760 "Fat Lady" onward, through 16710, 116710 and 126710) has the independent hand. Identifying which your watch is helps us confirm the reference and value your GMT-Master correctly.
Also see: Sell my Rolex · Sell Rolex Submariner · Sell Rolex Daytona · Rolex valuation · Sell a Rolex collection
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