Notes: GMT-Master (16758) self-winding automatic watch, features a 40mm 18k yellow gold case surrounding a black dial on an 18k yellow gold Jubilee bracelet with folding buckle. Functions include hours, minutes, seconds, date and GMT. This watch does not come with box or papers. 7.0 Million Serial.

Mechanism: The Calibre 3075 mechanism was designed for the GMT-Master family of watches. It was built around the architecture of the family’s base movement, the Cal. 3035. It increased the balance speed from the 19,800bph of the Cal. 1575 and introduced the now standard high-beat 28,800bph—the eight ticks per second frequency that gives all Rolexes made since the characteristic smoothly sweeping seconds hand.

Alongside the uprated speed, the 3075 also brought the Quickset date function to the GMT for the first time. A logical improvement for a luxury traveller’s watch, it meant wearers were able to advance the date directly via the crown in its second position, rather than having to wind the center hands through 24 hours. It might seem like a somewhat trivial upgrade, but Rolex’s unassailable reputation has been built on their almost constant striving to improve their customer’s experiences with their products in any way possible, no matter how small.