THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 16710
YEAR: 2001
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

The reference 16710 is one of our favourite five-digit Rolexes. Produced for 18 years before being phased out in 2007, it saw a number of subtle yet important updates over its lifespan.

The 16710 directly succeeded the 16760, reintroducing a slimmer case while retaining the Caliber 3185 movement. Early 16710s were fitted with tritium dials, in line with the earlier GMT-Master models. Between 1997 and 2000, like most Rolexes of the era, the dials transitioned from tritium to Luminova and then to Super-Luminova, indicated by the changing “SWISS” and “SWISS MADE” signatures at six o’clock. The present watch is a transitional “SWISS MADE” example, paired with a lug-hole case that allows for easy strap changes.

Condition throughout is excellent. The dial and hands are flawless, while the case, though lightly polished in the past, remains strong and sharp. The black portion of the serif Coke insert has begun to fade slightly, adding subtle character. The full-link 78790 Oyster bracelet with solid end links is stamped DE7 (July 2001).

The watch is accompanied by its box, booklets, wallet, tags, calendar, translation document, and original guarantee papers. The movement runs superbly at –3 seconds per day with 275 amplitude and a 0.2 ms beat error.

The 16710 remains one of the best entry points into the world of neo-vintage Rolex. It wears beautifully on the wrist, offering all the modern refinements you want—while still carrying a touch of vintage charm.