Dial: black Calibre: cal. 3185 automatic, 31 jewels Movement number: 5'607'107 Case: stainless steel, screw-down back Case number: L'805'604 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp Dimensions: 40mm, bracelet circumference approx. 195mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Rolex guarantee, booklets, presentation case and two extra bezel inserts

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing. Time zone and date advancing. CASE: In very good condition with light polishing and minor surface wear. Some light surface wear to the brushed surfaces of the case back. The bracelet slightly stretched with some scuffs. The bezel rotating and in good condition. DIAL: in very good condition. Lume appears original and does not react under UV light.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

The Rolex which started the collection, this reference 16710 was the first Rolex this astute collector ever purchased. Presented complete with its original box, paperwork and invoice it certainly set the precedent for the quality of the watches to follow it. Introduced in 1989, it saw the case design revert back to its previously slimmer proportions, in contrast to the 'Fat Lady' reference 16760 that preceded it (lot 200). The reference was produced with three versions of bezel insert and the present example  is accompanied by all of them complete with a 'Pepsi' bezel insert, and black bezel insert (fitted) and the 'Coke' bezel insert. These allusions to the vintage GMT models are perhaps what make the reference 16710 so desirable today.