About Rolex GMT-Master II (back to top)
In 1989 the Rolex GMT-Master II reference 16710 was launched and was produced alongside the 16700. This slightly newer reference has the 3185 movement with the quickset 24 hour hand and hacking function. It also introduced Super Luminova for the first time in 2000. Late in 2007 also saw a slight update on the calibre 3185 to the 3186. It was the 16710 that was the first to be available in in both ‘Pepsi’ and ‘Coke’ configurations.
The most recent reference introduction is the GMT-Master II 116710 released in 2007 and is currently still in production. The new features on this current edition are quite extensive, new Triplock crown, anti-reflective cyclops lens, the maxi dial, new movement 3186 which has the new Parachrom spring, polished centre links on the bracelet with new clasp and a ceramic bezel inlaid with gold/ platinum. These are also known as the Cerachrom bezel.
The most popular of the new references are the 116710LN with the black bezel, the 116710BLNR was released in 2013 with the blue black bezel, aka ‘Batman’ or ‘Bruiser’. And even more recently at Baselworld 2014 the release of the Rolex GMT-Master II in white gold with the ‘Pepsi’ red and blue bezel, but the watch itself is in white gold.
This history shows how extensive and varied the GMT-Master and GMT-Master II is with all of its different references and color variations. What else do you expect from one of the most popular Rolex models.
1983 | Sophia Loren’or the ‘Fat Lady’ makes her first appearance featuring a thicker case, new calibre 3085 and an adjustable 24 hr hand. Also the first GMT-Master II, also first dial with white gold outlines on the hour markers. First appearance of black and red colored bezel and also another first, only stainless steel was offered with the extra-large crowns. |
1988 | Rolex GMT-Master II reference 16700 makes its first appearance. Sporting a new calibre and sapphire crystals, a slightly different case and Luminova in some of the later models. |
1989 | Confusingly the Rolex reference 16710 was launched and was running in tandem with the 16700. Notable difference being the 3185 calibre with quickset 24 hour hand and hacking function. |
1999 | End of the 16700 meaning at this time only the 16710 with the newer movement was available. |
2007 | The latest and current edition of the GMT-Master II 116710 is released with lots of new features. New Triplock crown, anti-reflective cyclops, maxi dial, new calibre 3186 which has Parachrom spring, polished centre links and also a new clasp. Most interestingly the use of ceramic / Cerachrom for the new bezel which is inlaid with gold or platinum depending on color variant. |
2013 | Baselworld 2013 releases the 116710BLNR ‘Batman’, first ever GMT-Master II with a blue and black bezel. |
2014 | Baselworld 2014 releases the 116719, first ever ‘Pepsi’ blue and red bezel on a white gold watch. |