Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 "Pepsi" Discontinued
About This Watch
The Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 with "Pepsi" red and blue aluminum bezel is one of the most beloved vintage-modern Rolex references. Produced from 1989 to 2007, it was the last GMT-Master II to use an aluminum bezel insert before the transition to Cerachrom ceramic. The aluminum insert develops a beautiful faded patina over time, with the red and blue transitioning to pink and navy, a characteristic that has become highly desirable among collectors. The caliber 3185 (later upgraded to 3186 in some late-production examples) featured an independently adjustable hour hand for quick time zone changes. The 16710 was available with three bezel options: Pepsi (red/blue), Coke (red/black), and all-black, with the Pepsi being the most popular and valuable. The solid end links and improved bracelet construction gave this generation a more substantial feel compared to earlier references. This model represents the golden era of accessible Rolex sports watches, when retail prices were under $6,000 and availability was reasonable. Today, clean examples command three times their original retail price, reflecting the growing appreciation for these transitional-era GMT references.
In-Depth Review
# The GMT-Master II 16710 "Pepsi": A Discontinued Icon's Enduring Appeal
Few watches in horological history command the respect and collector fervor of Rolex's GMT-Master II reference 16710, colloquially known as the "Pepsi" for its distinctive red and blue bidirectional bezel. Introduced in 1989 as an evolution of the original GMT-Master, this 40mm stainless steel sports watch represents a pivotal moment when Rolex perfected a formula that would define professional timekeeping for decades. The 16710 housed the robust caliber 3185 movement, offering a substantial 48-hour power reserve and the reliability that made the GMT lineage indispensable to pilots and globetrotters alike. Its black dial, Cyclops-magnified date window, and Oyster bracelet construction embodied Rolex's design philosophy—functional, purposeful, and utterly devoid of unnecessary ornamentation. The watch's 100-meter water resistance and bidirectional bezel ensured practical versatility alongside its professional credentials.
The 16710 appeals primarily to serious collectors and individuals who value authentic tool watches over contemporary trend-chasing. Its discontinued status, coupled with consistent market appreciation from an original MSRP of $5,850 to current secondary market prices around $18,000, reflects genuine scarcity and desirability. This watch serves equally well as a daily companion or investment-grade collectible. Compared to alternatives like the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT or Tudor Black Bay GMT, the 16710 occupies a unique position: it represents a specific historical moment in watchmaking when Rolex's output was considerably more limited, making it genuinely difficult to acquire at any price. For collectors seeking unquestionable provenance and enduring
Specifications
Movement
| Movement Type | Automatic |
|---|---|
| Caliber | Rolex 3185 |
| Power Reserve | 48 hours |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph |
| Jewels | 31 |
Case
| Case Diameter | 40.0mm |
|---|---|
| Case Thickness | 12.0mm |
| Case Material | Oystersteel (904L Stainless Steel) |
| Crystal | Sapphire with Cyclops lens |
| Bezel | Bidirectional rotating, red and blue aluminum insert |
| Dial Color | Black |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 47.5mm |
Features
| Water Resistance | 100m / 328ft |
|---|---|
| Bracelet/Strap | Oyster bracelet |
| Clasp | Oysterlock folding clasp |
| Weight | 142g |
| Complications |