Rolex GMT-Master II 116710LN Discontinued
About This Watch
The Rolex GMT-Master II 116710LN was the first ceramic-bezeled GMT-Master II, introduced in 2007 and serving as the foundation for the incredibly popular Batman and Pepsi models that followed. With its all-black Cerachrom ceramic bezel, it presented a more understated, stealth-like appearance compared to its multicolored successors. The caliber 3186 featured an independently adjustable hour hand for quick time zone changes, a hallmark of the GMT-Master II family since the ref. 16710. The 116710LN was the daily driver's GMT, professional and capable without the attention-grabbing colors of the two-tone bezels. During its production run, it was one of the more readily available Rolex sports models at authorized dealers. Since its discontinuation in 2019, however, values have steadily climbed as collectors recognize this all-black reference as a modern classic in its own right. The Oyster bracelet, without the brushed center links seen on some GMT variants, gives it a clean, uniform look. The monochromatic black bezel with platinum-coated numerals maintains excellent legibility. For collectors who find the Pepsi and Batman too flashy, the 116710LN offers GMT functionality in a more restrained package that lets the watch speak through its quality rather than its color scheme.
In-Depth Review
# Editorial: The GMT-Master II 116710LN
The steel sports watch has long occupied a peculiar position in the luxury market—accessible enough to feel attainable, yet commanding prices that demand serious consideration. Rolex's GMT-Master II reference 116710LN exemplifies this tension perfectly. Introduced in 2007 and now discontinued, this 40mm steel chronometer became the bridge between Rolex's vintage GMT heritage and modern manufacturing standards. Its defining innovation was the ceramic bezel insert, a material leap that addressed the aluminum predecessor's tendency to fade and scratch. Paired with the Rolex 3186 caliber—a robust movement offering 48 hours of power reserve—the 116710LN established itself as the thinking person's travel watch. The black dial and steel case create an intentionally understated aesthetic that refuses to announce itself, a quiet confidence that appeals to those who recognize quality without needing validation from ostentatious design.
The typical 116710LN owner is either a seasoned collector who acquired the watch before discontinuation or a patient hunter willing to pay secondary market premiums. This watch serves dual masters: the globe-trotting professional managing multiple time zones and the enthusiast who appreciates mechanical watchmaking. Its 100-meter water resistance offers genuine utility without pretense, while the 40mm case size—considered medium by modern standards—has aged gracefully against larger trend-driven alternatives. Against competitors like the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean or Tudor Black Bay GMT, the GMT-Master II demands the highest entry price, both at original retail and on the open market. That $13,500 secondary valuation reflects scarcity and desirability in equal measure, a premium justified only if the specific lineage and Rolex's ceramic innovation matter deeply to the buyer.
Specifications
Movement
| Movement Type | Automatic |
|---|---|
| Caliber | Rolex 3186 |
| Power Reserve | 48 hours |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph |
| Jewels | 31 |
Case
| Case Diameter | 40.0mm |
|---|---|
| Case Thickness | 12.1mm |
| Case Material | Oystersteel (904L Stainless Steel) |
| Crystal | Sapphire with Cyclops lens |
| Bezel | Bidirectional rotating, black Cerachrom ceramic insert |
| Dial Color | Black |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 48.0mm |
Features
| Water Resistance | 100m / 328ft |
|---|---|
| Bracelet/Strap | Oyster bracelet |
| Clasp | Oysterlock folding clasp with Easylink |
| Weight | 145g |
| Complications |