The Rolex GMT-Master II 16713, affectionately known as the "Root Beer" due to its distinctive brown and beige color scheme, holds a special place in the hearts of collectors. This particular reference, specifically those with tritium dials, represents a fascinating intersection of horological history and significant financial value. Understanding the production years of these tritium dial models is crucial for appreciating their current market performance and desirability. This article will explore the nuances of the Rolex GMT-Master II 16713 tritium dial, examining its production history, analyzing its financial performance, and guiding potential buyers through the complexities of the current market.
Understanding the Rolex GMT-Master II 16713 (Tritium Dial)
The Rolex GMT-Master II 16713 is a bi-metal watch, featuring a combination of stainless steel and 18k yellow gold. Its defining characteristic, beyond the aforementioned bi-metal construction, is its unique two-tone bezel insert – a gradient blending brown and beige, reminiscent of the color of a root beer soda. This specific color combination, coupled with the now-discontinued tritium lume, makes it highly sought after.
Tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, was used by Rolex as a luminescent material in their watches until approximately the late 1990s. It provided a brighter, longer-lasting glow compared to earlier luminous materials, but its radioactive nature led to its eventual phasing out in favor of safer alternatives like SuperLuminova. This makes watches with tritium dials, like the 16713 Root Beer, highly collectible. The tritium lume itself ages uniquely, often developing a creamy, warm patina over time, enhancing the watch's vintage appeal. Identifying the precise production years for these tritium dial models is key to understanding their value.
Production Years and Identifying Tritium Dials:
Pinpointing the exact years Rolex used tritium in the 16713 is challenging due to the lack of official, readily available documentation specifying the exact transition date. However, based on extensive research and collector knowledge, it's generally accepted that the 16713 with tritium dials was produced between the early 1980s and the late 1990s. The transition to SuperLuminova likely occurred gradually, meaning there might be some overlap.
Determining whether a specific 16713 has a tritium dial requires careful examination. Several factors can help:
* Lume Color: Tritium lume, when aged, takes on a creamy, warm, sometimes yellowish or even slightly brownish hue. SuperLuminova, in contrast, generally maintains a brighter, cooler tone, even with age.
* Lume Plots: The application of lume on tritium dials often exhibits a slightly less precise or "cleaner" appearance compared to the more refined application found on later SuperLuminova dials.
* Serial Number: While not foolproof, the serial number engraved on the watch case can provide a general timeframe for its production. Rolex serial number decoding websites and forums can assist in this process.
* Hands: The hands of the watch will also contain tritium lume and will age in a similar manner to the hour markers.
Financial Performance and Current Market Value:
The Rolex GMT-Master II 16713 with a tritium dial commands a significant premium in the current market. Its desirability stems from several factors:
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