GMT-Master 2 Moving Toward Perfection

Even within the Rolex brand the status of the GMT-Master 2 collection is rising steadily. Since its launch in 1955 the GMT-MASTER has continued to move toward perfection and is frequently mentioned in the history of watches. The Ref. 116710LN we will discuss today serves as a ‘milestone’ for the 21st-century GMT-MASTER. I would like to carefully revisit the Ref. 116710LN which fulfilled its role for about 12 years from 2007 to 2019 and then disappeared into history. So first shall we learn about the birth of the GMT-Master?

GMT-Master 2 116710LN

40mm, Black, Oyster

The History of the GMT-MASTER Collection

PANAM featured in ‘Catch Me If You Can’ starring DiCaprio

The GMT-MASTER was created for international pilots of PANAM Airways. Until the Sky-Dweller appeared it was the only pilot watch equipped with a function to check the time in other countries. Starting with the Ref. 6542 released in 1955 there are now more than 20 models but among them the Ref. 116710 holds a special meaning

Ref. 6542 / ⓒ Bachmann & Scher

In fact despite its current popularity the GMT-MASTER was not a high-selling model for a while. However with the release of the Ref. 116710LN which marked the beginning of the 21st-century collection lineup the market response began to change positively. For the first time in a steel model a luxurious and durable black ceramic bezel was applied and the dial and 24-hour hand were expressed in green. The brand’s efforts to convey the message ‘We love the GMT-MASTER’ can be felt indirectly.

Thanks to this all nine models released over the next decade (116710BLNR, 116710BLRO and others) achieved great success and truly created the ‘golden age of the GMT-MASTER 2’.

GMT-Master 2 116710BLNR

40mm, Black, Oyster

GMT-Master 2 126710BLNR

40mm, Black, Oyster

GMT-Master 2 126710BLRO

40mm, Black, Jubilee

What Changes Have Occurred?

The Super Case which was first introduced in the Ref. 116718LN in 2005 was also applied to the steel model that everyone had been waiting for in 2007.

Ref. 16710LN ⓒ PHILLIPS / Ref. 116710LN ⓒ SUBDIAL

It maintained the same 40mm case diameter as its predecessor and the thicker lugs and crown guards increased reliability in terms of durability.

Dial
The maxi dial which was first introduced in the Ref. 16610LV in 2003 blends well with the larger case and plays a significant role in improving legibility.

Crown
There were also significant improvements to the crown. The ‘Triplock’ system, Which could previously only be seen on diver’s watches, Replaced the existing ‘Twinlock’ system, Providing even higher water resistance.

Bracelet
It was released with a more stable Oyster bracelet. The bracelet, Made using the ‘solid link’ method, Succeeded in improving durability by minimizing deformation, Which had been frequently mentioned until then. In addition, The polished finish of the center link harmonizes well with the ceramic bezel and is an important element in conveying the luxury of a pilot watch.

Movement
The Cal. 3186, Which was partially modified from the Cal. 3185, Is equipped with the Parachrom hairspring, Which was first applied to the Ref. 116520. It is not sensitive to temperature changes and is ten times stronger than the previous hairspring, Allowing it to perform its functions even more reliably as a daily watch and as a pilot watch.

The Future of the GMT-Master 2

The GMT-Master 2 Ref. 116710LN is highly valued for presenting a direction for the future of the brand and the GMT-Master 2 collection. It is interesting that the rise in price was driven more by internal factors than external ones. What we should pay attention to is that it is the ‘only single-color bezel’ and that there will be no further supply after 2019. Even if a new model with a ‘crown’ mark between ‘swiss made’ at the 6 o’clock position is released, As seen with the fate of Ref. 116710BLNR, Its value will be steadily maintained and when new users turn their eyes to the legacy of the past, It will already be in a position that cannot be obtained.

Samuel

Writer

Can talk about watches for 120 hours straight