The world of modern Rolex is a well-traveled one. Everybody knows the brand, but that still doesn’t mean there aren’t some underappreciated models hiding in plain sight across its contemporary offerings. Sure, their vintage catalog might have a few more bargains in its midst—relatively speaking, of course—but there is one modern watch that collectors have never really paid all that much attention to. I happen to have owned and enjoyed one since 2016: the all-black GMT-Master II ref. 116710LN.
The GMT-Master II 116710: Facts and Popularity
Launched in 2007, shortly after Rolex introduced the Cerachrom bezel to the world on its two-tone sibling in 2005, the ref. 116710LN had big boots to fill from the day it launched. In a world where there were still red and blue aluminum “Pepsi” bezel GMT-Master IIs for sale, the ref. 116710LN had to juggle its relatively unknown futuristic technology with its monochromatic color scheme that flew in the face of what the GMT-Master had been all about since its debut in 1955. As a result of this balancing act, the watch never really exploded in popularity like it deserved to.
Following its discontinuation in 2019, the watch continued to trade as a relatively obscure part of the GMT-Master II family. However, given that it offers just as much as basically every other GMT-Master II—save for its previous-generation movement that claims a power reserve of 50 hours and not 70 like its successors—it is an underappreciated model that ought to have more eyes on it. That’s an opinion I’ve held ever since I bought it, and one that I have stood by, given the fact that I still own the watch.
Why I went for the ref. 116710LN
So, what has led me to continue my ownership of this watch? It is decidedly monotone, given its black bezel and dial combo—something you don’t normally associate with GMT-Master models. In a family that contains watches like the Sprite, Batman, Pepsi, Rootbeer, and others, it is almost boring. However, that’s the point. When I bought the watch in 2016, I had the choice between it and a Batman (how times have changed). I happily went with the blacked-out ref. 116710LN because of its monochromatic color scheme. It’s under the radar for the model that it is, but every bit as functional and hard-wearing, and that’s why I loved it then and why I still love it. Sometimes you don’t want a super flashy watch—relatively speaking, of course. It is still a polished center link watch with a shiny ceramic bezel—but its blacked-out aesthetic means it is certainly less punchy than its colorful compatriots.
One question I’ve been asked time and again since I owned the watch has been, “Why not just buy a Submariner?” The answer is that the GMT-Master is simply more functional. Its GMT function has always far outweighed the extra 200m of water resistance that the Submariner offers in terms of practicality—at least in my view. Also, its Oysterlock clasp is smaller than the Submariner’s Glidelock clasp, meaning it’s less cumbersome on the wrist. Additionally, it comes with a date, so when compared to a black bezel Submariner Date, it wins every time for me.
The GMT-Master II ref. 116710LN vs. Bruce Wayne
As you might know, Rolex recently launched the GMT-Master II ref. 126710GRNR, which has since become known as the “Bruce Wayne”—Batman’s real identity. Offered with a two-tone black and grey bezel, this watch is the modern replacement for my watch, and it just doesn’t get me as excited as the ref. 116710LN. I can honestly say that after eight years of ownership, the idea of ‘upgrading’ does nothing for me, even when I consider swapping from an Oyster bracelet to a Jubilee bracelet, which I much prefer. Sure, the new variant might have shone some light on the ref. 116710LN, but in my opinion, it should never have needed a different watch to draw attention to it. The new version is too modern, and the ref. 116710LN feels like a transitional reference of sorts. Early to the ceramic bezel movement that Rolex helped to pioneer in the modern era, powered by a basically neo-vintage movement, and featuring a color scheme that can trace its existence all the way back to the blacked-out aluminum bezel insert variant GMT-Master that Rolex used to offer—it blends the world of modern Rolex that champions robustness, performance, and quality with the charm of vintage Rolex, but without becoming an homage of sorts.
My thoughts on the price
Perhaps, though, I am only projecting my subjective vision of the ref. 116710LN on it now, almost 20 years after its launch, because I can view it through the lens of 2025’s watch industry. But that’s the beauty of this. Watchmaking isn’t static. What was once uber-modern—like the ref. 116710LN when it debuted—now exists on the fence between genuine modernity and neo-vintage Rolex, and that gives me a better impetus to own it and continue owning it than swapping it for a shinier alternative.
Valued at anywhere between €9,000 and €12,000 on the secondary market, depending on the condition and completeness of the set, this watch is a serious bargain if you ask me. A lot cheaper than its modern equivalent’s MSRP of around €11,000 and barely over the €7,750 retail price that I paid for it in 2016 (especially when you factor inflation into the equation), this watch is a serious bargain. Swap its bezel to a black and blue “Batman” bezel and make no other changes, and you suddenly have a €12,000–€14,000 watch. Is a bezel that takes away the main ingredient of the watch’s charm worth that much of a premium? Definitely not in my opinion, but I suppose I’m biased.
Conclusion: Was it worth buying a Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 116710LN?
So, given my bias, what negatives does the watch have? Honestly, not many. The polished center links and polished central portion on the clasp take on more scratches than the same brushed parts on something like a Submariner would, naturally, for one. Secondly, the ceramic bezel will never age or show signs of wear like the rest of the watch. While that doesn’t bother me now, in 10 years that might look a bit off if the watch is littered with scratches, dents, and other signs of enjoyment. Additionally, as someone with a penchant for vintage watches, there are few things more attractive than a nicely aged aluminum bezel insert, so the ref. 116710LN will never speak to that side of me. However, that gap in what the watch offers me signifies my own journey as a watch collector. It acts as my reminder of how far my interests within watchmaking have come. Looking back on eight years of ownership, this watch owes me nothing. Instead, I owe it everything.
