The 16713 introduced the two-tone case and bracelet to the GMT-Master II line from perfect replica Rolex. First appearing in 1989, the 16713 was produced until 2008, with most examples featuring a black bezel or jeweled dials. As always, it is the unusual versions that have become collector favorites, such as the gold two-toned bezel with a brown dial. The brown and gold tones earned the watch the nickname “Root Beer,” which pairs nicely with the other soda-themed nicknames (like Pepsi and Coke) that have been attributed to other versions of the luxury fake Rolex GMT-Master.
To truly be an original Root Beer, the best 1:1 replica Rolex needs a brown dial rather than the silver or gold dials that were also available at the time. On top of that, the brown dial had a second nickname, as Root Beer (the beverage) was not universally famous around the world, and that was “Tiger Eye,” after the chatoyant gemstone.
This model is from the earlier years of the Swiss movement fake Rolex GMT-Master 16713 production years, dating to 1993. These early examples have tritium lume, pierced lugs, and hollow end links, as well as one of the most beautifully proportioned case sizes that cheap super clone Rolex ever made (not to mention the lovely small crown guards). As is common, the Root Beer bezel has naturally faded with sun exposure, and the gold tones have faded from the background in the bottom half and the numerals in the top half. What is left is a ghosted silver tone that is only achieved with time, and it has an effect that photos cannot capture.
While it is possible to put a new bezel in to bring back the original look, what we have here is a high quality replica Rolex that has earned its coloring through a life well lived – and that is something to be appreciated.
