THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 16710
YEAR: 2002
BOX/PAPERS: YES/YES
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

The Rolex 16710 directly superseded the 16760 "Fat Lady", the first GMT Master II reference. Over its eighteen-year production, the 16710 went through several subtle, but important changes. The 16710 adopted a new and slimmer case compared to the 16760, while retaining the cal. 3185 movement. Between 1997 and 2000, like most Rolex's, the dials on 16710s transitioned to Luminova and then Super Luminova. Solid end links were introduced in around 2000, and solid cases (no lug holes) and laser-etched crowns came later in around 2003. Finally in 2007, in the eleventh year, Rolex decided to upgrade the movement, although these are only seen in Z and M serial watches. 

Now in 2024 these watches have crept steadily into the neo-vintage bracket and have become admired by both modern and vintage lovers. Compared to the modern iteration of the GMT, these feel like a second skin on the wrist, slender and light. Nevertheless, they also come with all the goodness that the modern era brings, like sapphire glass, quickset date and independently adjustable GMT hand. 

The present example dates back to 2002 and boasts a Swiss-made super-Luminova dial with the holed case and SEL, best of both worlds. The watch remains in superb condition; the dial is spotless, so is the correct black "serif" insert. The case is very strong and only show very minor marks; the lugs are full, so are the crown guards.

The original full link bracelet has minimal stretch - the clasp code dates to 2003 (AD). The watch comes complete with its original box, wallet, tags, booklet, and original guarantee. The timekeeping is perfect, at +3 s/d, 260 amps, with a beat error of 0. Really can't go wrong with an all original 16710.