THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 16710
YEAR: 2004
BOX/PAPERS: YES/ YES
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

The 16710 was in production for eighteen years, eventually being phased out in 2007. During that time, several subtle, but important changes were made to the reference. 

The 16710 directly superseded the 16760 with its slimmer case whilst still retaining the 3185 cal movement. Strangely the 16700 was sold side by side with the 16710 for a period of eleven years as the cheaper alternative. Between 1997 and 2000 like most Rolex's the dials transitioned to Luminova and then Super Luminova. Solid end links were introduced in 2000 and around 2003 the watches came with solid cases (no lug holes) and laser etched crowns. Finally in 2007, at the eleventh hour, 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 when you wear them, slender and light but with all the goodness that the modern era brings, like sapphire glass, quickset date and quick set GMT. To find one thats now 20 years old and still in the condition it left the AD in 2004 is quite remarkable. 

This example has all of its manufacture stickers still intact and of course comes complete with the booklets, tag, punched papers and inner and outer box. We have had the watch running for over a week and its keeping perfect time. The time graph shows +1 s/d, 280 amps with a beat error of 0.1.