Rolex by Tom Sachs GMT-Master II Reference 16718 Unpolished Full Set

The Rolex GMT-Master was originally designed for Pan Am pilots in the 1950s and continues to be a flagship model for Rolex to this day. This particular example a reference 16718 in spectacular condition. The watch features an A serial dating to 1999. The 18K yellow gold case is unpolished and measures 42.5mm in diameter including crown (47.5mm lug-to-lug).

Tom Sachs made two of the most desirable Nike shoes ever: the Mars Yard and Mars Yard 2.0 and his art commands a strong following. Tom is known for deconstructing regular items and in circa 2002 he decided to take a crack at deconstructing a gold Rolex GMT-Master II that he purchased new at retail. He painted the watch black and the black paint wears off with wear. He made 5 examples and this is number 3 of 5. It has been in a private collection of a prominent art dealer since new. A standard Rolex GMT-Master II reference 16718 with box and papers would likely be around the $30,000 price point - adding $19,000 for the provenance.

To learn more about the Rolex GMT-Master you can watch the ‘Reference Points: Understanding The Rolex GMT-Master' video and corresponding article I produced.

The watch comes with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

PRICE: $49,000 (Item SBUXYT3068)