GMT Master 2 New vs old comparison
GMT Master 2 Buying Guide
ROLEX

Let us compare the models of the GMT Master II, Which has consistently enjoyed popularity since its release, From the older versions to the latest ones. The main features and detailed specifications of each model are described, Focusing on the models available for trial at the VIVER showroom.

Vintage GMT Master

Rolex GMT-Master Ref.1675 circa 1966. ⓒ Wind Vintage

Rolex GMT-Master Ref.1675 circa 1966. ⓒ Wind Vintage

Before comparing the GMT Master II models available at the VIVER showroom, Here is a brief comparison of all GMT Masters prior to the six-digit references.

Features of vintage GMT Master models

Features of vintage GMT Master models

Among these, The 16710 is the most accessible, And depending on the year, There are differences in luminous material (tritium or luminova), End link construction, Presence or absence of lug holes, And movement changes. While details should be checked for each year, For the very last version of the 16710 equipped with the 3186 movement, Simply confirm that it has luminova, Solid end links, And a case without lug holes.

16710 vs 126710

This time, We compare the Pepsi models. The Pepsi is the most popular and traditional color combination, Existing since the first GMT Master 6542. If you are looking for a GMT Master with an aluminum bezel, You will usually compare models from 1675 to 16710. Among these, The 16710 is the most widely distributed and accessible in the domestic pre-owned market, So it is introduced here as the representative aluminum GMT Master.

Rolex GMT-Master2 16710 ⓒ montro

Rolex GMT-Master2 16710 ⓒ montro

The aluminum bezel has a vintage charm, But in reality, The colors are brighter and livelier than expected if the watch has not aged. On the other hand, The ceramic bezel has a heavier tone than the aluminum bezel, And the unique shine of ceramic gives the latest models a distinctly modern look.

Available for trial at the VIVER showroom
Rolex GMT Master II 126710 (left), 16710 (right)

Available for trial at the VIVER showroom Rolex GMT Master II 126710 (left), 16710 (right)

In addition, The font on the bezel of the 16710 is rounder and more vintage, While all six-digit GMT Master IIs use a sharper font reminiscent of the current Explorer I. The difference in the size of the dial indices is also noticeable. As shown in the photo, The anti-reflective coating differs, Making the dial of the 126710 appear noticeably darker.

Thickness

Rolex GMT Master II 126710 (left), 16710 (right)

Rolex GMT Master II 126710 (left), 16710 (right)

Regarding thickness, There may be differences depending on the measurement method, But numerically, The 126710 is slightly thinner. However, Due to the design characteristics of the five- and six-digit cases, The mid-case of the 16710 is noticeably thinner, So it feels slimmer on the wrist. On the other hand, The case back of the 126710 protrudes less, Giving it an advantage in wearing comfort.

Bracelet

GMT-Master 2 126710BLRO

GMT-Master 2 126710BLRO

40mm, Black, Oyster

link

The difference in bracelet construction is clear depending on the production year. Unlike the 16710, Which has hollow links, The 126710 features a solid and well-crafted bracelet unique to the six-digit models. As mentioned in the Explorer comparison, The five-digit bracelet has long fixed links, So those with thin wrists may need to accept this or wear the bracelet reversed at 6 and 12 o'clock.

Rolex Submariner 16610 (left) GMT Master II 16710 (right)

Rolex Submariner 16610 (left) GMT Master II 16710 (right)

As an aside, If you like the five-digit design but have thin wrists, The 16610 Submariner Date is a good option. The last fixed link at 6 o'clock on the 16610 Submariner is much shorter than the others, Giving it the widest adjustability among five-digit Rolex models. The 16710 and 126710 have clearly different fan bases compared to the Explorer I, So you can choose according to your preference without much hesitation.

GMT-Master 2 16710

GMT-Master 2 16710

40mm, Black, Oyster

link
GMT-Master 2 16710

GMT-Master 2 16710

40mm, Black, Oyster

link
Submariner Date 16610LN

Submariner Date 16610LN

40mm, Black, Oyster

link

116710 vs 126710

ROLEX GMT-Master2 116710 (left) 126710 (right)
ⓒ Watchadvice

ROLEX GMT-Master2 116710 (left) 126710 (right) ⓒ Watchadvice

Now let us compare the 116710 and 126710.
The biggest difference between the two models is the movement. The GMT Master II 116710, Introduced in 2007, Was the first GMT Master whose movement was not changed, Continuing to use the 3186 from the late 16710. In contrast, The 126710 uses the Chronergy escapement developed in-house by Rolex, Not the traditional Swiss lever escapement, And is equipped with the 3285 movement, Which has a power reserve increased from 48 to 70 hours.
Both models feature the Maxi dial with large indices, So there is little difference in the dial. The only difference is that the 126710 has a crown logo between the "SWISS MADE" text at 6 o'clock.
As with the subtle difference between the Submariner 114060 and 124060, The lugs of the 116710 are slightly thicker, And the 126710 has a slightly slimmer profile. There was no change in lug width or case size as with the Submariner, So the difference is hard to notice.

ROLEX GMT Master2 126710
ⓒ bobswatches

ROLEX GMT Master2 126710 ⓒ bobswatches

There are also no overlapping combinations of bezel and bracelet, Except for the "Batman" with a blue-black bezel and Oyster bracelet. For the steel models, The 116710 is only available with a black monotone bezel (116710LN) or a blue-black two-tone bezel (116710BLNR). The Pepsi model for this reference was only released in white gold as the 116719 in 2014. The Jubilee bracelet is only available on the 126710, Not the 116710. Therefore, If you want a black monotone bezel, Only the 116710 is available, And if you want a Jubilee bracelet, Only the 126710 is an option.

If you compare the Oyster bracelet with the blue-black bezel, The 116710 can be purchased at a slightly lower price. The 116710 and 126710 are so similar that it is hard to tell the difference side by side, And the proven 3186 movement makes the 116710 an attractive choice. If you are considering the black monotone bezel, You can purchase it at a lower price than expected. On the other hand, If the price difference is not significant, Many people prefer the new model for its refined lugs, Rolex's latest movement, The comfortable Jubilee bracelet, And the variety of bezel options.

GMT-Master 2 116710LN

GMT-Master 2 116710LN

40mm, Black, Oyster

link
GMT-Master 2 116710BLNR

GMT-Master 2 116710BLNR

40mm, Black, Oyster

link
GMT-Master 2 126710BLNR

GMT-Master 2 126710BLNR

40mm, Black, Jubilee

link
GMT-Master 2 126710BLRO

GMT-Master 2 126710BLRO

40mm, Black, Jubilee

link
GMT-Master 2 126710GRNR

GMT-Master 2 126710GRNR

40mm, Black, Oyster

link

JJ

Writer

Hoping to transfer to VIVER, Day n

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