Origins of the GMT-Master Series

Early Beginnings:

• Launch Year: The original GMT-Master was introduced in 1954.

• Purpose: Designed in collaboration with Pan American Airways (Pan Am) for their pilots, the GMT-Master allowed pilots to read two time zones simultaneously, a crucial feature for long-haul international flights.

Evolution into the GMT-Master II:

• Launch Year: The GMT-Master II was introduced in 1983.

• Advancements: It featured an independently adjustable hour hand, allowing wearers to set the local time without stopping the second and minute hands or disturbing the reference time.

Introduction of Reference 116710LN

Launch Year: 2007

Key Innovations:

• The 116710LN brought significant upgrades over its predecessors, combining modern materials and advanced technology with the iconic design elements of the GMT-Master series.

Ceramic Bezel:

• Material: The 116710LN was the first GMT-Master II to feature a Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert, known for its scratch resistance and deep black color.

• Functionality: The 24-hour graduated bezel allowed for easy reading of a third time zone.

Case and Bracelet:

• Material: The watch featured a robust 40mm Oyster case made from 904L stainless steel, known for its exceptional corrosion resistance.

• Bracelet: The Oyster bracelet included a more substantial clasp with the Easylink 5mm comfort extension link, allowing for quick adjustments.

Dial and Hands:

• The black dial provided excellent legibility with its Chromalight display, offering long-lasting blue luminescence.

• The “Maxi” dial featured larger hour markers and broader hands for improved visibility.

Movement:

• Caliber 3186: The 116710LN was powered by the Caliber 3186 movement, featuring a Parachrom hairspring for enhanced resistance to shocks and temperature variations.

• Functionality: It retained the independently adjustable hour hand, a hallmark of the GMT-Master II, and offered a power reserve of approximately 48 hours.

Technical Specifications

• Case Size: 40mm

• Material: 904L stainless steel

• Bezel: Bi-directional rotatable 24-hour graduated Cerachrom bezel insert in black ceramic

• Movement: Caliber 3186

• Power Reserve: Approximately 48 hours

• Water Resistance: 100 meters (330 feet)

• Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire with Cyclops lens over the date

• Bracelet: Oyster with Easylink 5mm comfort extension link

Discontinuation:

• In 2019, Rolex discontinued the 116710LN, replacing it with newer models that continued to evolve the GMT-Master II’s legacy, such as the 126710BLRO with a red and blue “Pepsi” bezel and the 126710BLNR with a blue and black “Batman” bezel.

Model Specifics:

Watch and Rolex box, no card, scrambled serial number.