Rolex GMT-Master II 16710

The Rolex GMT-Master and GMT-Master II are two of the most popular and well-known GMT watches in the world. The first GMT-Master was commissioned by Pan Am, and the blue and red "Pepsi" bezel can trace its origins back to the release of the first model in 1954. Over the years, Rolex took several steps to modernize the timepiece, which were, in keeping with the brand's tradition, always subtle.

The Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 16710, produced from 1989 through 2007, comes from a similar background. This reference is the follow-up model to the "Fat Lady" GMT-Master II 16760, which features a "Coke" bezel in black and red. The 16710 is the first GMT-Master II to be available in three different bezel color combinations: Pepsi, Coke, or black.

All 16710s manufactured during the 18-year production period share a 40-mm case made of 904L stainless steel, also known as Oystersteel. All models are also fitted with a sapphire crystal and have a depth rating of 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft). The GMT-Master II 16710 comes on the three-piece link Oyster bracelet, which awards the timepiece its sporty character.

Of course, there are minor differences between the models to consider before making a purchase. For example, watches produced up until around 1997 use a tritium-based material for the lume, while later versions have LumiNova or Super-LumiNova. Another change came in the year 2000, when Rolex switched to solid end links (SEL) for the bracelet; an upgrade from the more finicky hollow end links used up to that point. A few years later in 2003, the drilled lugs were removed from the reference, which had previously allowed for hassle-free bracelet changes.

The GMT-Master II 16710 is powered by the in-house caliber 3185, a chronometer-certified movement. Models produced after 2007 use the slightly modified caliber 3186.

All color combinations of the GMT-Master II ref. 16710 have enjoyed positive financial performance. Although the steady price increases lost momentum in spring 2022, the two-year comparison between January 2021 and January 2023 is still strong.

In early 2023, pre-owned 16710 models with a black bezel were selling on Chrono24 for around 14,000 USD. Two years earlier, this amount was closer to 12,000 USD, a price increase of almost 17%.

If you're interested in a pre-owned copy with a red and black Coke bezel, be prepared to spend around 13,000 USD. Back in 2021, this investment would have been roughly 11,500 USD. This version has thus appreciated by 13%.

If Pepsi is more to your taste, you can buy the blue and red GMT-Master II for around 17,000 USD. This model has retained its value since January 2021.

Rolex's caliber 3185 is a chronometer-certified movement with a true GMT function, i.e., the hour hand is set independently of the GMT and minute hand. What's more, this in-house caliber features a central seconds with a stop-seconds mechanism, as well as a quickset date feature. The movement uses a Glucydur balance wheel that oscillates at 28,800 vph. The balance wheel and escape wheel are protected from shocks and jolts by the Kif shock protection system from KIF Parechoc. The 3185 offers a 50-hour power reserve and can also be found in the Rolex Explorer II.

The caliber 3186 boasts Rolex's patented blue Parachrom hairspring. The hairspring is made of a niobium-zirconium alloy that is virtually unaffected by magnetic fields and protects the spring from knocks and jolts.