1982 Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 16753 'Root Beer' Glossy 'Nipple' dial

When the Rolex GMT-Master 16753 debuted in 1979, it ushered the iconic travel watch into a new era—one where function met flourish. This two-tone variant, built on the bones of the 1675 and fitted with the upgraded caliber 3075, brought modern features like a quickset date and updated hand stack, but kept the vintage charm alive through dial details and warm aesthetics. Produced through the 1980s, the 16753 marked the transition from matte to gloss, from tool to luxury, while never straying far from its jet-set origins.

Among its most beloved iterations is the brown glossy dial version—paired with the brown-and-gold “Root Beer” insert, or the rarer one.tone variant, a nickname born from the soda-toned palette. These dials, lacquered for a deep gloss over a sunburst brass base, carry over the “nipple” hour markers of earlier 1675/3 and 1675/8 models—gold applied plots filled with tritium, rising subtly from the dial’s surface like polished domes. Age and oxidation often render each example unique: patches of caramel, hues of bronze, spotting, and golden edges—organic fingerprints of time. 

Offered for sale here is an early Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 16753 Root Beer with ‘nipple’ dial from 1982.

The glossy sunburst “Root Beer” nipple dial is in lovely condition, showing a few vibrant patches of lighter hues around some markers, the center post and the date window giving the watch a blast of character. Apart from this, the dial is intact, meaning that this ageing is not due to water damage but something common to the finishing of the dial. The glossy lacquered surface is not cracked or peeled. Any marks you might see are on the crystal. The lume has aged to a warm sandy hue and the hands match perfectly.

The stainless steel case is great, remaining thick with sharp bevels and brushed factory finishes still present. It shows normal signs of use. The stainless steel bezel remains strong too. The original one-tone bezel insert is lovely, having faded in a very subtle way to a charming light bronze hue, again, adding tons of character to the piece. The case back remains in good condition.

The original acrylic crystal has normal signs of use that could be easily buffed away if wanted.

The watch is running well and keeping time, as it has been fully serviced recently.

It comes fitted on a Rolex Oyster 78360 solid-links stainless steel and yellow gold bracelet with 258 and 280 end links and 62523 clasp with code D8, that shows a warm rosy patina to the center links, has little stretch and presents normal wear signs for its age.

Macros of the dial and case, as well as inner case back, movement and service pictures, are available under request.