GMT-MASTER 'SARU' MODEL, REF. 16758SARU, CASE NO. 9'067'516, CIRCA 1986

The present precious stone-set GMT-Master was first released in 1979 as reference 16758SARU, where 'SARU' stands for the bezel's sapphire and ruby setting. This luxurious design combines Rolex's history with a more extravagant look, paying homage to the famous blue-and-red bakelite bezel of the original 1956 GMT-Master.

The reference 16758 stands out as the first Rolex sports watch to be fitted with precious stones. Produced in a very small number, the present timepiece from circa 1986 is one of only a handful of SARU examples to appear at auction to date.

There is truly no comparison to Rolex's skill at gem-setting and painstaking attention to detail. The famous 'Pepsi' design is honored by the red rubies and blue sapphires that adorn the bezel, which is reimagined in this beautiful arrangement of precious stones. Sapphires are carefully placed on the bezel to indicate the hours one through eleven in order to provide the best legibility possible. At twelve o'clock, a stunning triangle-cut sapphire is set in place. Furthermore, the timepiece is paired with a prestigious President bracelet, each link of which is carefully set with 12 brilliant-cut diamonds.