The Rolex GMT-Master reference 16700 occupies a singular and fascinating position in the pantheon of watchmaking. Introduced in 1988, it served as the final chapter in the story of the classic, acrylic-crystal GMT-Master line, bridging the gap between vintage charm and the modern era. Its production, which lasted until 1999, coincided with a period of significant transition for Rolex, making the 16700 not merely a tool watch, but a poignant symbol of horological evolution. To understand its status as a timeless classic, one must delve into its technical specifications, its historical context, and the unique narrative it embodies.

The reference 16700 was, in many respects, the refined culmination of a design philosophy that began with the reference 1675. It retained the iconic aesthetics that defined the GMT-Master lineage: the robust 40mm Oyster case, the bidirectional rotating 24-hour bezel, and, most famously, the two-tone "Pepsi" bezel insert in blue and red. This color scheme, initially developed in collaboration with Pan American Airways to help pilots distinguish between day and night hours, had transcended its utilitarian origins to become a universal symbol of adventure and global travel. The watch was powered by the Caliber 3175, a proven and robust movement featuring a quickset date function—a practical improvement over earlier iterations. Crucially, the 16700 continued to use an acrylic crystal, a feature cherished by purists for its warmth, its slight distortion at the edges, and its unique character when it gathers light scratches that can be polished out with relative ease.

However, the 16700's era was one of quiet revolution. In 1989, Rolex unveiled the GMT-Master II reference 16710, a model equipped with an independent, adjustable 24-hour hand. This allowed the wearer to track three time zones simultaneously, a more complex functionality aimed at the modern traveler. The 16710 also began its life with an acrylic crystal but would later transition to the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. This placed the 16700 in a curious, almost liminal space. It was not the advanced GMT-Master II, yet it was a more refined version of the original GMT-Master concept. Its continued production alongside the newer model for a decade suggests Rolex understood there was a dedicated market for the simpler, more classic iteration of the GMT function, where local time and a second time zone were adjusted together via the winding crown.

The timeless appeal of the 16700 is deeply rooted in this very duality. It represents the last opportunity to own a brand-new, traditionally constructed GMT-Master directly from Rolex. For collectors, it is the final point of access to the vintage experience with the reassurance of a newer movement and a potentially fresher condition. Its acrylic crystal and tritium lume plots, which age to a creamy patina, connect it visually and tactilely to its forebears. Unlike later models with sapphire crystals and brighter, longer-lasting LumiNova, the 16700 was designed to age gracefully, developing a personality unique to its owner and its journey through time.

Furthermore, the reference 16700 was offered with a variety of bezel inserts, including the "Coke" (black and red) and all-black versions, though the "Pepsi" remains the most iconic. Its Oyster bracelet, with its solid links and iconic clasp, provided a sturdy and comfortable fit. The watch was a true instrument, built to withstand the rigors of travel, yet its design possessed an undeniable elegance that allowed it to transition seamlessly from a cockpit or a remote exploration site to a formal setting. This versatility is a cornerstone of its classic status.

In the contemporary collector's market, the 16700 has emerged from the shadow of its predecessor, the 1675, and its more complex sibling, the 16710. It is increasingly recognized for its perfect balance of classic aesthetics and relative modernity. It offers the coveted vintage look—complete with the potential for patina—without some of the fragility or maintenance concerns associated with much older references. Its production period, ending just before the turn of the millennium, also marks it as a relic of a specific, pre-digital age of travel and exploration, a tangible object from an era when crossing time zones felt more significant and a dedicated tool watch was a essential companion.

The Rolex GMT-Master reference 16700 is, therefore, far more than a simple model number. It is a historical bookmark. It signifies the end of an era for one of Rolex's most storied professional lines while perfectly encapsulating the essence that made that line legendary. It is a watch that honors its own history, wearing its vintage soul in its acrylic crystal and patina-ready lume, while offering the reliability of a late-20th-century manufacture. Its story is one of graceful evolution rather than radical revolution, a final, polished statement of a classic design language. As both a capable tool and a symbol of horological heritage, the 16700 secures its place as a timeless classic, a watch that connects the golden age of jet travel to the present day with unwavering style and purpose.