Introduction to the Rolex GMT-Master II 16710
The Rolex GMT-Master II 16710, produced from 1989 to 2007, holds a special place in the history of Rolex watches. It’s a timepiece that embodies the brand’s commitment to innovation and functionality, while also captivating collectors with its elegant design. The 16710 marked a significant evolution in the GMT-Master line, introducing features that have become hallmarks of modern Rolex sports watches.
Key Features and Specifications
The GMT-Master II 16710 is renowned for its versatility and durability. It features a robust 40mm Oyster case, available in stainless steel or two-tone combinations. The case is water-resistant to 100 meters (330 feet), making it suitable for various activities. The watch is powered by the self-winding Caliber 3185 movement, a robust and reliable engine known for its accuracy and power reserve.
The GMT-Master II 16710 is distinguished by its iconic 24-hour graduated bezel, which allows the wearer to track a second time zone. This feature is crucial for pilots and frequent travelers, enabling them to keep track of time in multiple locations. The bezel is bidirectional, allowing for quick and easy adjustment of the second time zone.
Dial Variations and Color Combinations
The GMT-Master II 16710 was offered in a wide range of dial variations and color combinations, catering to diverse tastes. Some of the most popular and sought-after variations include:
- Black Dial: This classic and understated option is a timeless favorite. It features black hour markers and hands, providing excellent contrast and legibility. The black dial is often paired with a black or blue bezel.
- Pepsi Dial: This iconic combination features a red and blue bezel, reminiscent of the classic Coca-Cola colors. The Pepsi dial is known for its vibrant and eye-catching appearance, making it a popular choice among collectors.
- Coke Dial: This variation features a black and red bezel, resembling the colors of Coca-Cola. The Coke dial is a more subtle and understated option compared to the Pepsi dial, offering a classic and sophisticated look.
- Root Beer Dial: This unique and distinctive combination features a brown and gold bezel, with a brown dial and gold hands. The Root Beer dial is a rare and desirable variation, known for its warm and luxurious aesthetic.
The GMT-Master II 16710 has been a popular choice for both collectors and enthusiasts. Its robust construction, reliable movement, and versatile functionality have made it a timeless classic, enduring in popularity despite being discontinued.
Design and Functionality
The Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 is a timepiece that embodies both functionality and style. Its design is characterized by its iconic features, including the rotating bezel, the 24-hour hand, and the Cyclops magnifying lens. These elements work together to create a watch that is both practical and visually appealing.
The GMT-Master II 16710 was designed for pilots and other professionals who need to track multiple time zones. The GMT function allows the wearer to set a second time zone independently of the main time. This is achieved through a fourth hand that completes a full rotation in 24 hours, indicating the time in a second time zone.
The GMT Function
The GMT function is a key feature of the GMT-Master II 16710. It allows the wearer to track two time zones simultaneously. This is achieved through a fourth hand, known as the 24-hour hand, which completes a full rotation in 24 hours. This hand can be set independently of the hour and minute hands, allowing the wearer to track a second time zone.
The 24-hour hand is often colored in a contrasting color to the other hands, making it easy to distinguish. The bezel also plays a crucial role in the GMT function. It is a rotating bezel with a 24-hour scale, allowing the wearer to set a reference time zone.
The GMT function is particularly useful for travelers, pilots, and other professionals who need to track multiple time zones. For example, a pilot flying from New York to London can use the GMT function to keep track of the time in both cities.
Design Improvements
The GMT-Master II 16710 introduced several design improvements over previous GMT-Master models. These improvements included:
- A larger case size: The 16710 had a larger case size than previous GMT-Master models, making it more comfortable to wear and providing more space for the movement.
- A new movement: The 16710 was powered by the Rolex Caliber 3185 movement, which was a more accurate and reliable movement than the previous Caliber 3085 movement.
- A redesigned bezel: The 16710 featured a redesigned bezel with a more pronounced knurling, making it easier to grip and rotate.
- A larger Cyclops magnifying lens: The 16710 had a larger Cyclops magnifying lens, making it easier to read the date.
These design improvements made the GMT-Master II 16710 a more robust and functional watch than its predecessors.
Materials and Craftsmanship
The Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 is a testament to the brand’s commitment to using high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship. Every component, from the case to the bracelet, is carefully selected and engineered to ensure both durability and elegance.
Materials Used in the GMT-Master II 16710
The GMT-Master II 16710 is constructed using a combination of materials that contribute to its robustness and aesthetic appeal.
Case, Bezel, and Bracelet
- 904L Stainless Steel: This proprietary steel alloy, developed by Rolex, is highly resistant to corrosion and scratching. It’s also known for its exceptional strength and durability, making it ideal for the demanding conditions that a watch might encounter.
- Cerachrom Bezel Insert: The unidirectional rotating bezel is made of a ceramic insert, known as Cerachrom. This material is incredibly scratch-resistant and fade-proof, ensuring that the bezel markings remain clear and legible for years to come.
- Oyster Bracelet: The GMT-Master II 16710 is typically fitted with an Oyster bracelet, renowned for its comfort and secure fit. This three-piece link bracelet is crafted from 904L stainless steel and features a folding Oysterlock safety clasp with an Easylink 5mm comfort extension system, allowing for a precise adjustment to the wearer’s wrist.
Crystal
- Sapphire Crystal: The watch is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, known for its exceptional clarity and hardness. This ensures that the dial remains visible and protected from scratches and impacts.
Movement
- Rolex Caliber 3186: The GMT-Master II 16710 is powered by the self-winding mechanical movement, Caliber 3186. This movement features a Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring, which is resistant to magnetic fields and temperature variations, contributing to the watch’s accuracy and reliability.
Craftsmanship and Quality Standards
Rolex is renowned for its unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and quality. Every aspect of the GMT-Master II 16710 is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, ensuring that each watch meets the brand’s stringent standards.
Precision and Durability
The GMT-Master II 16710 is built to withstand the rigors of everyday wear and tear. The watch’s precision is evident in its COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) certification, which guarantees that it meets the highest standards of accuracy. This certification ensures that the watch will maintain its accuracy within specific tolerances, even under extreme conditions.
Quality Control
Rolex employs a rigorous quality control process at every stage of production. Each watch undergoes numerous tests and inspections to ensure that it meets the brand’s exacting standards. This commitment to quality is reflected in the watch’s exceptional durability and longevity.
Table of Materials and Properties
| Material | Properties | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| 904L Stainless Steel | Highly corrosion-resistant, scratch-resistant, strong, and durable | Exceptional longevity, maintains its aesthetic appeal over time |
| Cerachrom Bezel Insert | Scratch-resistant, fade-proof, and highly durable | Ensures clear and legible bezel markings, retains its color and clarity |
| Oyster Bracelet | Comfortable, secure fit, and durable | Provides a secure and comfortable fit, withstands wear and tear |
| Sapphire Crystal | Scratch-resistant, clear, and hard | Protects the dial from scratches and impacts, ensures excellent visibility |
| Rolex Caliber 3186 | Self-winding mechanical movement, Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring | Accurate, reliable, and resistant to magnetic fields and temperature variations |
Collecting and Value
The Rolex GMT-Master II 16710, a watch renowned for its functionality and enduring design, has become a sought-after collectible among watch enthusiasts. Several factors contribute to its value, making it a desirable addition to any watch collection.
Factors Influencing Value, Rolex gmt ii 16710
The collectible value of the GMT-Master II 16710 is influenced by several factors, including its rarity, condition, and historical significance.
- Rarity: Certain models, like those with specific dial variations or limited-edition releases, are rarer than others, increasing their value. For instance, the “Coke” bezel, with its red and black color scheme, is highly sought after and commands a premium price.
- Condition: The condition of a watch significantly impacts its value. Watches in excellent condition, with minimal signs of wear, are more valuable than those showing signs of use or damage. This includes the dial, case, bezel, and bracelet.
- Historical Significance: The GMT-Master II 16710 was worn by iconic figures like astronauts and pilots, adding to its historical significance and desirability among collectors. These watches often command higher prices due to their association with these individuals or events.
Condition and Variations Affecting Price
The condition of a GMT-Master II 16710 and its variations can significantly impact its price.
- Excellent Condition: Watches in excellent condition, with minimal signs of wear, typically command the highest prices. These watches often have original boxes and papers, adding to their value.
- Good Condition: Watches in good condition show signs of use but are still in good working order. They may have minor scratches or blemishes on the case, bezel, or bracelet. These watches are generally more affordable than those in excellent condition.
- Fair Condition: Watches in fair condition have noticeable signs of wear and tear, including scratches, dents, or faded dials. These watches may require some restoration work and are typically priced lower than those in good or excellent condition.
- Variations: The different dial variations, bezel colors, and bracelet types can also affect the price of a GMT-Master II 16710. For example, the “Coke” bezel is highly sought after and commands a premium price compared to other bezel variations.
Estimated Value Range
The estimated value range for different GMT-Master II 16710 models can vary depending on their condition and rarity.
| Condition | Model | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | GMT-Master II 16710 “Coke” bezel | $15,000 – $25,000+ |
| Good | GMT-Master II 16710 “Pepsi” bezel | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| Fair | GMT-Master II 16710 “Root Beer” bezel | $5,000 – $10,000 |
Notable Variations and Editions: Rolex Gmt Ii 16710
The Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 has a rich history of variations and limited editions, each offering unique features and appeal. From the iconic “Coke” and “Pepsi” bezels to rare special editions, these variations are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
The “Coke” and “Pepsi” Bezels
The “Coke” and “Pepsi” bezels are arguably the most famous and recognizable variations of the GMT-Master II 16710. These variations get their names from the color combination of their ceramic bezels, which resemble the logos of the popular beverage brands.
- The “Coke” bezel features a black and red color scheme, with the red portion representing the 24-hour scale for a second time zone.
- The “Pepsi” bezel, on the other hand, features a blue and red color scheme, with the blue portion representing the 24-hour scale.
The “Coke” bezel was introduced in 1985, while the “Pepsi” bezel was first seen in 1983. Both variations quickly gained popularity among collectors and enthusiasts, becoming highly sought-after collectibles.
Limited Editions
The GMT-Master II 16710 has also been the subject of numerous limited editions, further adding to its allure and value. These limited editions often feature unique design elements, such as special engravings, dials, or bezels.
- The “Paul Newman” Daytona is a rare and highly coveted variation of the Rolex Daytona. It is named after the famous actor Paul Newman, who was known for wearing a similar watch. The “Paul Newman” Daytona features a unique dial with an exotic dial layout and a black bezel.
- The “Steve McQueen” Monaco is a limited edition watch that was released by TAG Heuer in 2009. It is named after the famous actor Steve McQueen, who wore a similar watch in the film “Le Mans.” The “Steve McQueen” Monaco features a blue dial and a stainless steel case.
These limited editions are highly sought after by collectors, and their value often appreciates over time.
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