GMT-Master II, one of Rolex's most popular "professional" models, is the guest of our pages.
For almost every model in Rolex's history, there are various ideas about the transition to modern times. Classic models gain new reference numbers with various updates applied at indefinite intervals. For GMT-Master II, we can start examining the models starting from the ceramic bezel insert generation, which includes the current period and starts with 116710LN.
116710LN has dramatic differences compared to the previous model, 16710. A larger case, enlarged lugs, although not as large as the 116610 Submariner on sale at that time, solid bracelet links, a clasp with the Easylink micro-adjustment system, and, of course, a black ceramic bezel insert means the rebirth of the GMT-Master II legend.
The model, which has a 40mm diameter case and bracelet made of Grade 904L stainless steel, has a sapphire crystal glass on the front and a lens that provides 2.5 times magnification above the date window. The sides of the case, the middle parts of the links forming the bracelet and the clasp, the frame part of the case back, and the upper part of the bezel surrounding the ceramic ring are glossy, while the remaining parts have brushed surfaces. Just like the Submariner model, the watch is equipped with a Triplock crown and has a water resistance of 100 meters.
Equipped with the in-house automatic Caliber 3186, the watch has a second time zone complication and a 48-hour power reserve. The LN suffix in the model's name means Lunette Noir, meaning black bezel insert. Production of the model, which has been in catalogs since 2007, ends in 2019.
Our next model is 116710BLNR. The BLNR suffix is used to abbreviate the blue and black colors on the bezel insert. The model produced between 2013 and 2019 is replaced by 126710BLNR. The new model comes to life with the advanced Caliber 3285, whose power reserve has been increased to 70 hours. To understand whether a model is 116XXX or 126XXX, you can look for the presence or absence of the Rolex logo on the dial between the words “Swiss Made” at 6 o'clock. Models with the logo mean the new version, 126XXX. As of 2019, 126710BLNR models are offered for sale with the Jubilee bracelet option as well as the Oyster.
116719BLRO, as enthusiasts familiar with the brand's references will understand, is added to the collection as the first GMT-Master II model with an 18K white gold case and red-blue bezel insert. After the model was produced between 2014 and 2018, the dark blue dial model of the same watch remained in production for one year. Afterward, the same combination continues to be produced with the reference 126719BLNR. Currently, there are two options under the reference 126719BLRO, with navy blue and meteorite dials.
The stainless-steel case 126710BLRO model, where red and blue are used together on the bezel, adorns the dreams of watch lovers and the wrists of its illustrious owners with both Oyster and Jubilee bracelet options. The Jubilee bracelet model will be added to the Rolex catalogs in 2018, and the Oyster in 2021.
Another model with a stainless-steel case is 126710VTNR. That is, the GMT-Master II with a green and black bezel, made for left-handers. The model, with the crown and lens on the left, will be added to the product group in 2020. Today, both Oyster and Jubilee bracelet alternatives are offered for sale.
Let's talk a little about references containing gold. 116718LN leaves its mark in 2005 with its 18K yellow gold case&bracelet, black bezel insert, and green dial combination. The black dial and green GMT hands version of the model, which has the Caliber 3186 movement, continues to be produced between 2005 and 2019.
116713LN was introduced in 2006 with a combination of 18K yellow gold, stainless steel case-bracelet, black bezel insert, and black dial.
The 126711CHNR model, produced with a combination of 18K Everose (pink) gold and stainless steel, with a brown-black insert bezel, entered the watch world in 2018. In the same year, 126715CHNR, produced entirely from 18K Everose gold, with a brown-black bezel and black dial, also took its place in the product group.
126713GRNR and 126718GRNR, namely gray-black bezel insert, black dial, 18k yellow gold-stainless steel, and full 18K yellow gold versions, will be added to the product line in 2023, only with the Jubilee bracelet option.
Our list ends with the fanciest GMT-Master II models: 116758SA; With its 18K yellow gold, diamond case, diamond dial, diamond and blue sapphire bezel insert, it was included in the GMT-Master II collection in 2006.
116759SARU, 18K white gold, diamond-set case, black dial, blue and red sapphire bezel insert, produced in 2007.
116758SARU, with 18K yellow gold diamond case, black dial, blue and red sapphire bezel insert, produced in 2006.
116758SANR, 18K yellow gold, diamond-set case, black dial, white and black diamond-set bezel insert, produced in 2006.
116759SANR, 18K white gold, diamond-set case and bracelet, black dial, white and black diamond-set bezel insert, produced in 2007.
116759SA, 18K white gold, diamond-set case, diamond-set dial, diamond and blue sapphire bezel insert, produced in 2007.
