The GMT Master II ref. 16710 is one of the most iconic and influential examples of the brand’s multi-time zone pilot’s watch. It brought an upgraded case and movement to the line, making it a huge success and leading to its impressive production run of almost twenty years. The ref. 16710 was then replaced by the ref. 116710 in the late 2000s as a completely new generation of Rolex GMT-Master tool watches began to make an appearance with a brand new case and bracelet design, improved materials, and a new movement.Rolex developed the GMT-Master in the early 1950s at the request of Pan Am Airlines. Its release came during the dawn of international flight. The famous air carrier required a dual-time wristwatch to issue their pilots, and the GMT-Master was born. The GMT-Master II was released a number of years later in 1983 with the ref. 16760, and brought with it independent hour hands that allow the wearer to read two time zones on the dial and a third on the bezel.The first GMT-Master II ref. 16760 featured a bulkier case and is often referred to by avid collectors as the “Fat Lady” or “Sophia Loren.” In 1989, Rolex would release a refined variation of the Fat Lady GMT in the form of the sleeker reference Rolex 16710 with a thinner case and movement. The ref. 16710 was well-received among collectors for its upgraded case and movement, and it would go on to become one of the most successful GMT-Master II models, remaining in production for nearly twenty years.A completely redesigned version of the stainless steel Rolex GMT-Master II was introduced in 2007, which meant the discontinuation of the long-running ref. 16710. The Rolex 116710 is similar in design as its 5-digit predecessor with an all-steel finish, a perpetual movement with independent hour hands, and a bidirectional bezel; however, that’s where its similarities end. The ref. 116710 is almost an entirely new watch and boasts a redesigned bezel, case, bracelet, and dial, as well as the newer Caliber 3186 perpetual movement.
Lastly, both the 16613 and the 116613 are fitted with stainless steel and 18k yellow gold Oyster bracelets. Depending on the year released, the ref. 16613 has either solid or hollow end-links, either a stamped or link-style fold-out extension system, and either a gold-through or an all-steel clasp. Collectors have different preferences on 16613 bracelet styles, making it a fun watch to collect.The ref. 116613 offers a more substantial hold on the wrist than its 5-digit predecessor and features solid gold center links, solid end-links, and a machined Oysterlock clasp with an innovative Glidelock extension system. The solid construction of the bracelet balances the Super Case nicely on the wrist for a supremely comfortable hold, even over wetsuits.While the ref. 116613 is noticeably more modern in appearance, it still boasts many similarities to the ref. 16613 in the form of a versatile two-tone finish, similar dial and bezel color options, the same water-resistance of up to 1,000 feet (300 meters), and an Oyster bracelet that wears comfortably and allows for tool-free adjustment over wetsuits. When collecting, it ultimately comes down to preference; do you prefer a classic or a contemporary dive watch?The Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea is the most robust and over-engineered dive watch in Rolex’s current lineup. While the regular Sea-Dweller is water-resistant to an insane depth of 4,000 feet, the Deepsea has an absolutely abyssal depth rating of 12,800 feet, which is more than 100 times further below the surface of the ocean than any human could physically survive.Although the case of the standard Rolex Sea-Dweller is not all that different from that of a Submariner, the Deepsea has a re-designed case architecture that allows it to stand up to the crushing pressures found at 12,800 feet below sea-level. As a result of its more rugged and highly specialized build, the Deepsea is among the largest Rolex watches currently in production, with a case diameter of 44mm, and an overall thickness of just under 18mm.
The ref. 16710 is available on either a three-piece link Oyster bracelet or a five-piece link Jubilee bracelet with hollow center links and a folded metal clasp. Older references have hollow end-links and a standard clasp, while newer references have solid end-links and a clasp with an additional safety latch. The Jubilee bracelet is the exception and is only available on reference 16710 watches with hollow end-links and a standard fold-over clasp.The ref. 116710 is only produced on a three-link Oyster bracelet. As a newer variation of the GMT-Master II, the bracelet is equipped with solid end-links, solid center links, and a newer Oysterlock clasp with a 5mm Easylink comfort extension system. Many collectors prefer this example of the Oyster bracelet as the redesigned clasp allows the wearer to adjust the length without the use of tools as their wrist fluctuates in humid or hot weather.The GMT-Master II is an absolute legend, there’s no argument about it. What it comes down to when comparing the 16710 and the 116710 is personal taste. Do you prefer the classic styling of an older sports watch? Or do you prefer a contemporary timepiece that has all the latest and greatest technologies? Either way, the Rolex GMT-Master II is a must-have for any serious watch collection.
I have mentioned more than once that Z factory makes the best replica IWC watches, especially the replica IWC Portuguese 7 Days Power Reserve, which is considered to be the most classic watch in our market. The power reserve has reached 3 days, this is a big breakthrough. Now in the beginning of 2019, along with lots of new replica watches published by other factories, this time ZF also brought us a big surprise, they unveiled the latest models of Portuguese Annual Calendar, after the release of these four models, the dominance of Z factory in replica IWC Portuguese field is further consolidated. The following article will give a basic review of these watches and share photos with you.
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