Introduction
Released in 1954, the Rolex GMT-Master resulted from a collaboration between now-extinct airline Pan Am and Rolex on a watch that would display the time across two time zones at once. Thanks to the popularisation of commercial air travel, planes were becoming more advanced and traveling longer distances. This resulted in pilots crossing time zones during flights more frequently, and thus a need for uniformity across the aviation industry was highlighted. To eliminate errors caused by time confusion, the industry adopted a standard time-zone, Greenwich Mean Time. As such, the GMT-Master's fourth hand, its 2nd hour hand, was used to constantly display Greenwich Mean Time, as its model name implies, while its regular hour hand displayed local time. While the aviation industry's standard time-zone switched to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) in 1972, the name of the legendary GMT-Master was far too long in use for Rolex to change it. Today, the GMT-Master has become one of Rolex's most iconic models, with very few pilot's watches, if any, rivaling its level of fame, popularity, or signature design – and it certainly looks like it will stay that way.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box and Papers
Est. value range
$8,000 – $12,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
GMT-Master II
Movement
Automatic cal. 3185
Reference
116710LN
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
2014
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, box, and papers
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Featuring a jet black dial, the 116710LN features a subtle hit of color with its green GMT hand and model name inscription at 6 o'clock.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Launched as the first stainlesss steel GMT-Master II model with a ceramic bezel, the ref. 116710LN features an all-black aesthetic thanks to its black bezel, a result of Rolex's inability to produce two-color ceramic bezels at the time.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
The watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case is very well defined, with light surface scratches and marks. The ceramic bezel and insert are in excellent condition. The steel Oyster bracelet has surface scratches, particularly on the polished center links, and there is only negligible play between the links. The bracelet currently fits a 7” wrist, and has 11 links, 3 of which are removable. One additional link is included. The watch comes complete with inner and outer boxes, guarantee card, wallet, hang tag, cloth, and a guarantee from a 2020 pre-owned sale.
Our Perspective
With its blacked-out aesthetic combining with the GMT-Master's robust stainless steel construction, the ref. 116710LN speaks to the collection's beginnings as a tool watch.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
