WatchReviewBlog

Wrist Watch Reviews, Guides & Advice

  • HOME
  • WATCH REVIEWS
  • BY BRAND
  • By Type
    • Automatic Watches
    • Quartz Watches
    • Dive Watches
    • Pilot Watches
    • Chronographs
    • Dress
    • Luxury
    • Sports
    • Women’s
    • Fashion
  • Startups
  • Watch Buying Guides
ShopShow Search
Hide Search
Home » Watch Reviews » Rolex GMT Master II Ref. 16710 Review

Rolex GMT Master II Ref. 16710 Review

September 9, 2021 by Matthew Catellier 1 Comment

Rolex GMT Master II Ref. 16710 Review

We haven’t delved too much into the world of vintage watches on the WRB YouTube channel, and while this Rolex GMT Master II ref. 16710 isn’t exactly a very old vintage – I thought it would be an interesting piece to look at.

The second I picked it up I had instant comparisons to the modern Rolex lineup running through my thoughts.

  1. Wow it’s lighter
  2. Wow it feels a little cheaper
  3. This really feels like a tool watch, rather than a glorified luxury Rolex

And Lastly…


watchpod shop banner
  • I think I mightily prefer my Submariner 114060

Rolex gets a ton of hype, and it’s rare to hear a perspective other than “it’s the best”. But I will tell you that after spending some time with the GMT Master 16710, Rolex’s new modern lineup certainly has improved on past designs. I can appreciate the pure tool watch aesthetic of the ref 16710 but at the same time is feels a little bit bland, this is a comparison where you can really appreciate the subtle but excellent changes of aluminum bezel insert to cerachrome ceramic, larger and easier to read “maxi-dial” markers, and one of the most important changes on modern Rolex models being the solid link bracelets and more robust clasps.

GMT Master 16710 wrist shot

Comparisons aside, if we teleport back to the late 90s and early 2000s the ref 16710 was at the top of its league and pioneering the iconic GMT Master II line from Rolex – back then it was the watch to have, and certainly still is now for those seeking some nostalgia and pure Rolex tool watch DNA.

The blue / red bezel version, aka the Pepsi, has always been the most popular colour combination for the GMT Master II, with it being issued to Pan AM airline crew back in the day – but the black bezel one we have here is the stealth watch of choice for those still wanting the GMT function and not wanting to venture into Submariner territory.

Side view of 16710

While this one is a beautiful watch I think I’d personally prefer a Submariner from the same era if I had the choice. This is a highly subjective preference as someone who leans more towards simplicity, I prefer the bezel markings and click action, dial text, and heftier crown on for example the ref 16610 Submariner.

One area that the ref. 16710 is impressive is wrist comfort, with a hollow linked bracelet and a slightly slimmed down case and lugs, it’s no mystery that the watch does have a lighter feeling on wrist. Visually I would say it’s on par with the modern Rolex GMT lineup in terms of size, the lugs are a little slimmer but they still remain fairly long.

The movement on this specific reference began as the 3185 and transitioned to the 3186, it has hacking and a 24 hour quickset feature for the 24 hour hand.

I hope you enjoyed this quick run-down of the GMT Master II 16710, an absolutely beautiful watch and all time classic.

Filed Under: Featured, Luxury, Sports, Watch Reviews Tagged With: Automatic Watches, GMT Watches

About Matthew Catellier

Matt is the Founder and Executive editor of The Watch Review Blog. For Matt, watches represent self-expression, art and freedom, and his ideal watch combines functionality with intriguing history behind it. Follow
                                him on Instagram @watchreviewblog.

Comments

  1. Paul says

    October 28, 2021 at 8:10 am

    Matthew,
    Thank you for this. I’m proud owner of a 16710 black, and funnily enough when I first touched it in 2007, I felt the same “boy this is light, is this a fake?” feeling. But the dealer was very reputed and I wasn’t afraid. I specifically asked from Pepsi to black, also because I didn’t want to “flash around” that I’m wearing a Rolex every day. In some countries, that’s a good entrance to being robbed LOL.
    Great review. Thanks again for the info and the great review.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get fresh watch reviews, HD photos and more direct to your inbox.

RECENT POSTS

  • Top 3 Best Watch Boxes and Cases for Home Storage
  • Longines Record Automatic Chronograph L2.921.4.56.2 Watch Review
  • Nomos Club Sport Neomatik Polar & 42 Date Blue Watch Review
  • The Best Watch Display Stand for Rolex and Other Luxury Watches
  • Top 10 Best Luxury Watches for Small Wrists

BUYING GUIDES

Top 10 Best Luxury Watches for Small Wrists

January 23, 2023 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Best Modern Tudor Sports Watches

January 20, 2023 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Best Tissot Watches for 2023

January 19, 2023 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Best Tachymeter Function Watches

January 18, 2023 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Best Vacheron Constantin Watches for Collectors

September 1, 2022 By Matthew Catellier 1 Comment

Top 5 Best Grand Seiko Watches For Collectors

November 24, 2021 By Matthew Catellier 8 Comments

Top 5 Most Popular Watches of 2021 for Holiday and Christmas Gifts

November 22, 2021 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Most Popular Luxury Chronograph Watches for Collecting

October 21, 2021 By Matthew Catellier 3 Comments

Top 5 Most Rare and Sought After Omega Speedmaster Watches

October 5, 2021 By Matthew Catellier 4 Comments

HOW WE WORK

Our blog is about honest and fair reviews of each timepiece we evaluate. We do not have any bias for or against any watch or company and work hard to maintain that neutrality. In this age of corporate placement everywhere, we just wanted to let you know we’re on your side, and always will be.

Get in touch?: If you notice something that needs fixing, or just want to say hello, please tweet us at @watchreviewblog or email us at matt@watchreviewblog.com.

INFORMATION

  • About
  • Masthead
  • Watch Q&A
CONTACT

  • General
  • Advertise
CONNECT
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • youtube
Copyright © 2023 · WatchReviewBlog.com · All Rights Are Reserved! · Powered by Custom Dev · Privacy Policy

WatchReviewBlog.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.