171 Rolex Extremely Well Preserved and Striking, GMT master II Saru, Automatic Wristwatch in Gold, With Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby-set Bezel, Reference 116748, Full-set

Estimate: €80,000 –⁠ 160,000

Model: GMT Master II
Reference: 116748SARU
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Yellow Gold
Year: 2019
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 3185
Case N°: HW014911
Dimensions: 40 mm
Signed: Dial, movement and case
Accessories: Box, Booklets and Papers

Designed to show the time in two different time zones simultaneously, the GMT-Master was launched in 1955, immediately represents the epitome of sportiness and efficiency. The use of precious materials for this specific model has always been limited despite references 6542 and 1675 were sometimes cased in precious metals, these were infrequent occurrences. While the craft expanded through the 1970s to include pavé dials and gem-set bezels, it was confined to dress watches. In the mid-1980s, though, Rolex blew the lid off the watch world and introduced the GMT-Master II 16758 SARU, bringing its gem-setting acumen to a sports watch. The lot here offered is a wonderful representative of the reference 116748, also nicknamed as “SARU” standing for “Sapphire” and “Ruby”. Solid and robust, this very watch has a massive 41 mm case in 18k yellow gold nicely preserved, the sparkling bidirectional revolving bezel is enriched by the iconic set of 22 baguette white diamonds, a triangular white diamond, 18 baguette sapphires and 18 baguette rubies. It is very important to underline that this is the reference produced with this configuration in few pieces, later it will be proposed with diamonds on the lugs as well under another reference. The final result is nothing short of spectacular as Rolex has managed the feat of balancing the sporty ethos of the watch and its bedazzling decoration.