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.
Following the discontinuation of the black and red bezeled GMT-Master II "Fat Lady" in 1988, a slimmed-down GMT-Master II was born, the ref. 16700. Available with the famous red and blue Pepsi bezel, or an all-black bezel, the ref. 16700 became Rolex's budget-friendly option when the ref. 16710 was released alongside it the following year, in 1989. Reintroducing the "Fat Lady" black and red bezel, the ref. 16710 quickly earned the nickname "Coke" - after the soft drinks company. Featuring the ref. 16700's slimmed-down proportions, the ref. 16710 was the slightly more premium version of the GMT-Master II at the time as it was powered by the new cal. 3185 movement, while the ref. 16700 had the cal. 3175 movement. Eventually discontinued in 2007 when the modern GMT-Master II was released, the ref. 116710, the ref. 16710 is famed now as the last GMT-Master II to feature an aluminium bezel. This accolade puts it in excellent standing with collectors, and allows buyers to combine beloved vintage aesthetics and design choices with relatively modern functionality in its robust movement.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Tiffany Inner Box
Est. value range
$20,000 – $30,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
GMT-Master II
Movement
Automatic cal. 3185
Reference
16710
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1996
Condition
Very Good
Material
Stainess steel
Included
Tiffany Inner Box
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Featuring the very same iconic black dial that has stood as the marquee dial choice for the stainless steel GMT-Master II, our example is found with beautifully aged luminescent hour markers and the highly coveted "Tiffany & Co." inscription that marks it as a watch that was sold by the iconic American jeweller to a VIP.
THE BEZEL
Kept in fantastic condition throughout, even this example's black and red "Coke" bezel - an all too common area for the older GMT-Master II models to be damaged, is completely free from scratches, pitting, or discoloration.
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
Watch is in very good overall condition. Previously polished case is thick and full, with only minor signs of surface wear evident. The original dial shows some light wear, with some marks visible along the minute track between 50 minutes past to approx 3 minutes past. The original luminous is discolored and has some areas of pitting as seen in the images. Watch comes on a bracelet that exhibits light stretch with 11 links total, sized for an approx 7 1/4" wrist. There is an additional link included with the watch. The watch comes with an original Tiffany signed black suede box.
Our Perspective
An iconic timepiece that set the scene for the modern GMT-Master II hysteria, the ref. 16710 contributed to the popularisation of the GMT function while remaining a lynchpin of Rolex's offerings through the decades. With its beautifully aged co-signed Tiffany dial and well-preserved 'Coke' bezel, this example is quite the catch.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
