ROLEX GMT-MASTER II

CHF 12,800.00

8.1% VAT included, deductible for shipments outside Switzerland

Specifications

Maker:Rolex
Model:GMT-Master II
Reference:16710
Year:2000
Serial Number:A782572
Original Retailer:Bucherer AG, Basel
Original Sale Date:27 April 2000
Case:Stainless Steel
Case Diameter:40mm
Dial:Black
Bezel:Aluminium insert with pronounced silver-grey fading
Crystal:Sapphire with Cyclops date magnifier
Movement:Automatic Rolex Calibre 3185
Functions:Hours, minutes, seconds, date and independently adjustable GMT hand
Bracelet:Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped, AB1, 78790, year 2000
Water Resistance:Vintage watch – water resistance is not guaranteed
Box & Papers:Full set with original Rolex papers and accessories
Service History:Rolex service documentation from 2013 and 2016

Legacy

Few watches are as closely associated with international travel as the Rolex GMT-Master.

Originally developed during the golden age of commercial aviation, the GMT-Master allowed pilots and travellers to keep track of multiple time zones from the wrist. The GMT-Master II evolved the concept further by introducing an independently adjustable local-hour hand.

Introduced in 1989, the Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 16710 would remain in production for almost two decades and has since become one of the defining Rolex sports watches of its generation.

The 16710 occupies a particularly interesting position in Rolex history. It combines modern practicality, including a sapphire crystal, automatic movement and independently adjustable GMT hand, with the slimmer proportions and aluminium bezel associated with earlier Rolex sports watches.

This particular example was originally sold by Bucherer AG in Basel on 27 April 2000 and is accompanied by its original Rolex documentation.

More than two decades later, one feature gives the watch a character entirely of its own: its aluminium bezel insert has faded dramatically to an unusual silver-grey appearance.

Unlike the ceramic bezels used on contemporary Rolex watches, aluminium changes with age. Exposure to sunlight, wear and everyday life can gradually alter its colour, creating a patina unique to each watch.

It is an imperfection that has become part of the watch's identity.

How to pair it

The Everyday Uniform

The GMT-Master II is one of those rare watches that works with almost anything.

Pair it with a white Oxford shirt, straight denim, suede loafers and a navy jacket. The monochromatic silver-grey bezel makes this example considerably more understated than the familiar Pepsi or Coke configurations.

It is still unmistakably a Rolex sports watch, just quieter.

The Weekend Traveller

A washed T-shirt, military-inspired overshirt, relaxed trousers and sneakers are enough.

This is where the 16710 feels completely at home. The GMT-Master was created as a tool for travel, and its slightly worn case, Oyster bracelet and faded aluminium bezel only improve the character.

A watch that looks better with a boarding pass than a polishing cloth.

The Unexpected Suit

Wear it with tailoring.

A charcoal or navy suit, white shirt and black or dark-brown shoes provide a surprisingly good backdrop for the 16710. The 40mm case remains restrained by modern standards, while the faded bezel removes much of the visual colour normally associated with the GMT-Master.

The result sits somewhere between sports watch and vintage object.

Condition

This Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 16710 presents in attractive pre-owned condition, showing honest signs of use accumulated over more than two decades.

The stainless-steel case displays surface scratches and marks consistent with age and wear. The Oyster bracelet and clasp similarly show visible signs of use. The overall proportions of the watch remain attractive.

The black dial presents well and retains the classic GMT-Master II configuration with luminous hour markers, Mercedes hands and contrasting red GMT hand.

The defining feature of this particular example is its naturally aged aluminium bezel insert. Over time, the original colour has faded considerably and today presents with a distinctive silver-grey appearance.

We consider the faded insert an important part of the character and individuality of this watch and have intentionally chosen to preserve it rather than replace it with a newer bezel.

The watch is accompanied by an attractive full set, including its original Rolex documentation. The original chronometer certificate records its sale through Bucherer AG in Basel on 27 April 2000.

Further Rolex documentation records servicing in 2013 and 2016, adding another layer to the known history of the watch.

Overall, this is not a GMT-Master II attempting to look new. It is an honest example whose wear, provenance and unusually faded bezel tell the story of a watch that has actually been used for what it was designed to do.

The Backstory

Rolex GMT-Master II 16710: The Classic Rolex Travel Watch

The Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 is one of the most recognizable Rolex sports watches. Rolex produced the reference from 1989 until 2007. It combines classic proportions with the ability to display multiple time zones.

This Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 dates from 2000. Bucherer AG in Basel originally sold the watch on 27 April 2000. Furthermore, it comes as a full set with original Rolex papers. Rolex service documents from 2013 and 2016 are also included.

However, its most distinctive feature is the bezel. The aluminium bezel insert has naturally faded to an unusual silver-grey tone. As a result, this GMT-Master II has a character entirely its own.

Key Features of the Rolex GMT-Master II 16710

40mm Stainless-Steel Case – Classic proportions from the five-digit generation of Rolex sports watches.
Naturally Faded Aluminium Bezel – A distinctive silver-grey patina created through decades of ageing.
Black Dial – Classic Rolex design with luminous hour markers and Mercedes hands.
Red GMT Hand – Displays an additional time zone using the rotating 24-hour bezel.
Rolex Calibre 3185 – Automatic movement with an independently adjustable local-hour hand.
Oyster Bracelet – Rolex's iconic three-link stainless-steel sports bracelet.
Full Set with Original Papers – Includes the original Rolex chronometer certificate.
Bucherer Basel Provenance – Originally sold by Bucherer AG on 27 April 2000.
Rolex Service History – Includes documented Rolex servicing from 2013 and 2016.

The History of the Rolex GMT-Master II

The history of the Rolex GMT-Master begins in the 1950s. At the time, international air travel was expanding rapidly. Therefore, pilots needed a practical way to track different time zones.

The GMT-Master soon became one of Rolex's defining professional watches. Later, the GMT-Master II introduced an independently adjustable local-hour hand. This allowed travellers to change local time without disturbing the GMT indication.

Rolex introduced the GMT-Master II Ref. 16710 in 1989. The company continued producing it until 2007.

Today, the reference occupies an interesting position in Rolex history. It combines modern functionality with many traditional Rolex design elements. For example, it has a sapphire crystal and a reliable automatic movement. At the same time, it retains a slim case and an aluminium bezel.

Consequently, the 16710 offers an attractive bridge between vintage and modern Rolex.

Why Is the Faded Bezel Special?

Aluminium bezel inserts can develop unique characteristics over time. In particular, sunlight and regular wear can gradually change their colour.

Modern Rolex GMT-Master II models use ceramic bezels. These are designed to retain their colour. Aluminium inserts, however, can develop a distinctive patina.

The bezel on this Rolex 16710 has faded significantly. Today, it presents with an unusual silver-grey appearance.

We have chosen to preserve the bezel in its current condition. Therefore, its natural ageing remains an important part of the watch's history.

Moreover, the faded bezel creates an almost monochromatic appearance. This gives the watch a very different character from a conventional GMT-Master II.

Why Choose the Rolex GMT-Master II 16710?

The Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 offers an excellent balance between vintage character and everyday usability.

Its 40mm stainless-steel case remains comfortable and versatile. Meanwhile, the automatic Rolex Calibre 3185 provides practical functionality. It features a date display and an independently adjustable local-hour hand.

This particular watch also offers strong provenance. It comes as a full set with its original Rolex papers. In addition, Rolex service documentation from 2013 and 2016 accompanies the watch.

Most importantly, its original certificate records the sale through Bucherer AG in Basel. The watch was sold there on 27 April 2000.

A Rolex GMT-Master II with Individual Character

The Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 has become a modern Rolex classic. It combines the reliability of a modern sports watch with the character of an earlier generation.

This example adds something that cannot be recreated easily: natural ageing.

Its silver-grey faded bezel gives the watch a distinctive appearance. Meanwhile, the black dial and red GMT hand retain the classic 16710 identity.

Finally, its full set and Bucherer Basel provenance complete the package.

For collectors searching for a Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 full set, this example offers an appealing combination. It brings together provenance, usability and individual vintage character.