1988 Rolex GMT-Master II 16760 "Fat Lady"

Introduced in 1983, the ref 16760 marked the beginning of the new GMT-Master II collection, which ran alongside the GMT-Master range. This new watch allowed the 24-hour hand to be set independently from the central hour hands, thanks to the brand-new Caliber 3085.

This new movement called for a thicker case, and consequently, a wider bezel and larger winding crown, thus resulting in more generous proportions for the ref 16760. This prompted Rolex collecting circles to give it the nickname “Fat Lady”.

Serial: R,334,XXX

Case Year: 1988

Case Reference: 16760

Case: 40mm x 12.5mm Thickness - Stainless Steel

Lugs: 20mm

Dial: Tritium

Hands: Luminova - Service Hands

Date Wheel: Correct open 6's and 9's

Bezel: Coke

Bracelet: 78360 Clasp Code paired with 501 B endlinks

Movement: Rolex 3085 - Running (+1 s/d 300 amp)

Glass: Sapphire

Accessories: Inner/outer boxes - no papers

Case has light wear with nothing notable. Bracelet has light normal micro wear with minimal stretch. Luminova Service hands have now wear. Dial lume is becoming a nice beige patina. Red on bezel insert has faded to almost a pink hue. Watch runs (+1 s/d 300 amp).

Rolex was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, before moving to Geneva in 1919 to be closer to the heart of Swiss watchmaking. From the start, Wilsdorf envisioned a wristwatch that was not only elegant, but also precise and reliable—an ambitious goal at a time when pocket watches dominated. Rolex went on to pioneer key innovations in horology, including the first officially certified chronometer wristwatch, the Oyster case (the world’s first waterproof wristwatch), and the Perpetual rotor—the self-winding mechanism that became the standard for modern automatic watches. These technical breakthroughs laid the foundation for Rolex’s enduring reputation for rugged luxury and mechanical excellence.

Today, Rolex is arguably the most recognized name in watches, with models like the Submariner, Daytona, Datejust, and GMT-Master becoming cultural icons in their own right. Whether tied to deep-sea exploration, motorsport, aviation, or mountain summits, each model reflects the brand’s commitment to performance and precision under extreme conditions. The brand’s status is bolstered by its unmatched consistency in design, rigorous in-house testing, and long-standing associations with exploration, sport, and achievement. For collectors and enthusiasts, Rolex represents more than a timepiece—it’s a benchmark of mechanical reliability, timeless design, and global prestige.