99 Rolex Very Attractive and Striking, GMT Master II, Automatic Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, Diamond and Sapphire-set Bezel, Reference 116 748 SA

Estimate: €80,000 –⁠ 160,000

Model: GMT Master II
Reference: 116748SA
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Yellow Gold
Year: 2006
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 3186
Case N°: Z649097
Dimensions: 40 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement

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 16 758 SARU, bringing its gem-setting acumen to a sports watch. The lot here offered is a wonderful representative of the reference 116 748 SA, “SA” standing for “Sapphire” as this watch were produced with just sapphires and diamonds on the bezel instead of the usual “SARU” that comes with sapphires and ruby-set bezel. Solid and robust, this very watch has a massive 40 mm case in 18k yellow gold nicely preserved, the sparkling bidirectional revolving bezel is enriched by the iconic set of 18 big baguette diamonds and 10 smaller diamonds, a triangular white diamond,18 big baguette sapphires and another 12 smaller baguette sapphires. It is very important to underline that this reference has been produced with this configuration in very limited pieces and later it was 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.