THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 16710
YEAR: 2005
BOX/PAPERS: YES/YES
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

When talking about the quintessential neo-vintage Rolex, the GMT-Master II ref. 16710 sits at the top of the list for many—and for good reason. This reference directly succeeded the 16760 “Fat Lady,” the first GMT-Master II, and carried the lineage forward with a slimmer case while retaining the cal. 3185 movement. Over its impressive 18-year production run, the 16710 saw a series of subtle yet significant updates. Between 1997 and 2000, it transitioned from tritium to Luminova and then to Super-Luminova dials. Around 2000, Rolex introduced solid end links (SEL), followed by solid cases (without lug holes) and laser-etched crowns around 2003. Finally, in 2007—its final production year—the movement was upgraded, though this is only found in Z- and M-serial watches.

Compared to the current GMT-Master II, the 16710 wears like a second skin—slender, lightweight, and incredibly comfortable. Yet it still offers all the benefits of the modern era: a sapphire crystal, quickset date, and an independently adjustable GMT hand. It also came with a choice of three bezel colour options and two bracelet styles, giving owners the flexibility to completely change up its look.

The present example dates to 2005 and features a Swiss-made Super-Luminova dial paired with a solid case and SEL bracelet. The watch remains in superb condition: the dial is flawless, and it sports a later correct non-serif bezel insert. The case is very strong, showing only minor marks, with full lugs and crown guards which have been polished in the past.

The original full-link bracelet has minimal stretch; the clasp code (MA7) dates it to Jul 2005. The watch comes complete with its original box, wallet, tags, booklet, calendar, translation booklet, Rolex service receipts and guarantee. It’s running perfectly at +3 s/d, 290 amplitude, with a beat error of 0.