The Rolex GMT-Master II was launched in 1983. It was designed with the same basic functionality as the GMT-Master. It displays multiple time zones simultaneously. However, as opposed to the original, the GMT-Master II offers more versatility in terms of both looks and additional functionality.
The GMT-Master II allows more flexibility in displaying any two time zones simultaneously. In this model, you can set the regular hour hand to a different time zone without adjusting the 24-hour hand and the bezel in any way without affecting the accuracy of the watch. As you unscrew the winding crown to the first notch (position 3), the watch never stops showing the time. Therefore, you can go ahead and slowly turn the crown clockwise or counterclockwise. This versatility enables the hour hand to jump one hour at a time without affecting the minute or the second hand. This “one-hour jump” feature gives the GMT-Master II an edge over the GMT-Master.
Different Versions of Rolex GMT-Master II
Model 16760: Introduced in 1983, the first GMT-Master II was powered by caliber 3085 movement that made the special 24-hour hand independently adjustable. In addition, it was the first GMT variant to feature a scratch-resistance sapphire crystal and indices with white gold borders. It was equipped with the hacking feature and had the standard depth rating of 330 feet. The watch utilized extra large crown guards as well. This model was made available in steel with a new combination of red and black on the bezel. Its was given the nickname “Fat Lady” because of its extra-thick case. “Sophia Loren” is another name for this model (but this was not meant as a negative comment on the weight of the famous leading lady).
Model 16710: In 1989, Rolex came out with a new GMT-Master II variant, which was powered by caliber 3185 movement. Its main attraction was that the automatic movement had a 50 hour power reserve. The basic features such as sapphire crystal and depth rating of 330 feet were the same as the previous models. There are a few variants available in this model. For instance, model 16713 is a gold and steel combination while model 16718 is an all gold version. This model also gives you three bezel options such as Coke (red & black combination), Pepsi (red & blue combination), and LN (black). Until the end of 2007, this model has been in continuous production. It has, however, evolved in many aspects such as the introduction of a solid end link bracelet in 2000, laser crown and no-hole case in 2003, and the new caliber 3186 movement.
Model 116713 LN: This was the 50th anniversary edition of the GMT-Master II, which was introduced at the Basel Fair in 2006. It is a combination of steel and gold featuring an all green dial. Later, the black dial version also was made available. It sports a number of cosmetic improvements over the previous model 16710. For instance, it features a new bezel made of an extremely hard ceramic material that prevents discoloration and other handling damages. The numbers on the bezel are filled with a fine layer of gold using a process known as physical vapor deposition. The larger hands were an added attraction as well. In regards to technical aspects, this model improved over previous models by featuring a larger triplock crown as opposed to the twinlock crown of the old GMTs. This new feature offers more protection and greater endurance. The other technical superiority is the new hairspring, patented as the Parachrom Hairspring that makes the watch less sensitive to temperature variations and magnetic fields, thus improving the performance of the watch.
Model 116710LN: Launched in 2007 at the Basel Fair, this model is actually a steel version of the model 116713 LN. It features a ceramic bezel with platinum entrusted numbers, triplock crown, Parachrom hairspring and a green 24-hour hand. The other features of this model are an anti-reflective Cyclops lens, a maxi-dial, 3186 caliber movement, the standard depth rating of 330 feet, a new bracelet with a more solid clasp similar to that of the Daytona, a larger case, and an inner bezel ring engraved with “ROLEX”.
The ceramic bezel in most of the current models is black. However, Rolex is working on introducing twin colors on the ceramic bezel.
Some Exciting GMT-Master II Models Currently Available
With the standard case size of 40mm, the GMT-Master II is available in 18k yellow gold, white gold, steel and Rolesor--a combination of steel and gold. The GMT-Master II, available in 18k yellow gold or white gold, offers numerous styles of dials--from a black and green dial to a diamond-paved dial. The most popular choice in rotating bezels is the one set with diamonds and sapphires. There is even an incredibly opulant bezel style available, fitted with rubies as well as diamonds and sapphires. If precious stones are not your fancy, the option of black ceramic rotating bezel is available as well. To complement this bezel, you still have the availability of diamond-fitted lugs. In bracelets, the Oysterlock bracelet with Easylink is the most popular variety.
However, the steel GMT-Master II is no less impressive. Featuring a black dial with black ceramic rotating bezel and Oysterlock bracelet with Easylink, this model is increasingly popular. The same dial, bezel, and bracelet styles can also be found in the GMT-Master II in Rolesor (steel and 18k yellow gold).
Swiss-Wrist
Swiss Wrist
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