Rolex GMT-Master II - “Quarter Ton Cup MERIDIAN”

Rolex: a GMT-Master II "Quarter Ton Cup MERIDIAN" that tells a story of sea, passion, and victory. Thanks to my friend Antonello Niceta, who knows my passion for watches that "speak something," I was fortunate enough to see some images of a truly unique Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 16710. A special piece, because it features an engraving on the caseback that harks back to a major sailing event: the 1989 Quarter Ton Cup, held in Falmouth, UK. The Italian boat, the Meridian, designed by Massimo Paperini, emerged victorious, becoming World Champion after five thrilling races.

Meridian - winner of the 1989 Quarter Ton Cup (photo Cavalluccio Marino)

The Quarter Ton Cup, founded in 1968 and active until 1997 (resuming in 2005), was one of the most prestigious regattas in its category. Searching through archives and online sources, I was able to reconstruct the crew that wrote that historic page in Italian sport:

• Pompeo Busnello– owner and steering wheel operator
• Dudi Coletti– sail trimmer
• Stefano Maida– bowman
• Marco Passoni– helmsman

Struck by the seemingly anomalous juxtaposition of a Rolex GMT, a model originally designed for pilots, and a sailing regatta, I decided to delve deeper. And what better way than to speak with one of the protagonists? My choice fell on Dudi Coletti, who proved to be a person of great elegance and kindness, as well as an athlete with an extraordinary record: 5 world titles, 3 gold medals for athletic merit, 2 silver, 4 bronze, and a participation in the America's Cup. His name is inextricably linked to one of the most iconic symbols of Italian sailing: Il Moro di Venezia, the boat that made an entire nation dream. generation.
Speaking with him was enlightening. His passion for the sea is palpable, as is his gratitude for everything sailing has given him over time. During our conversation, a detail emerged that made this story even more fascinating: the GMT-Master II was not an official prize offered by a sponsor, as often happens, but a personal gift from the shipowner Pompeo Busnello. He wanted to celebrate the victory by giving a watch to each member of the crew, personalizing it with an engraving on the caseback: an authentic and meaningful gesture. Final curiosity: this specific piece was auctioned by Antiquorum in 1992, a testament to the value, not only financial, but also historical and emotional, that a watch can hold. —