GMT2 16710 review

[RogerF]

This is my newest acquistion, I bought this watch 2 months ago to fill the void in my collection of a multi timezone watch. The natural choices were the Omega and the Rolex of course as I prefer watches that can take a beating, call me rough or clumsy I like to be able do to whatever I want with my watches and not have to worry.

In anycase my final decision is this F serial GMT2 red/blk bought brand new from a AD here in Toronto. I chose the red/blk partially because of Bruce S and all the pics he had posted in the past on another forum.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y93/speedstate_g35c/97c61853.jpg

MOVEMENT

This watch utilizes a modified version of Rolex's workhorse the 3135. The 3185 movement differs in 2 main areas, the quick set date function has been removed in favour of a quick-setting hour hand which jumps in one hour increments. The other thing is of course it has a 24 hour hand that can be independently adjusted from the regular hour hand. It is not as simple as it sounds to set the watch but I will get into this later.

The 3185 movement (GMT2) differs from the old 3075 movement (GMT) in that the 3075 has a quickset date function, but the 24 hour hand is not independently adjustible. Therefore, a second timezone can only be set via the rotating bezel.

(Please correct me if I am wrong on info about the GMT movement info as I am more familiar with the GMT2's 3185 movement)

After a couple of months of use my watch is running +2 a day and I have no problems with this at all.

LOOKS and FEEL.

Overall the watch has a nice feel to it, it is lighter than my SD but heavier than my DJ. The case of the watch is as wide as the SD but is thinner than the SD while being larger than the DJ. It is fitted with a SS Oyster bracelet which I find gives the watch a perfect look and feel. Many complain about Rolex's bracelets but I have no probs with it. The watch is availible in 3 bezel choices. All black, red and black, and also the classic Pepsi (Red and Blue) I chose the Red/Blk because it stands out enough for it not to be confused with a Submariner, yet not too loud that it gets too much attention. The dial and hands are typical Rolex Professional, easy to read, no BS.

One area that ppl complain about is the twinlock crown. Many feel that this crown is too small for watches fitted with crown guards, although it would be nice to see the triplock crown fitted on the Sub and SD I dont find the crown too bad to work with. NOTE: the Anniversary edition GMT2 has been fitted with the Triplock crown so its only a matter of time before Rolex starts putting it on the TT and SS models.


Even Optimus Prime likes it

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y93/speedstate_g35c/june8.jpg



SETTING THE WATCH.

Now like I said this watch's 3185 movement loses the usual quickset date function that is found on all modern Rolex date models. This movement allows adjustment of the hour hand in one hour increments, this also allows the date to be adjusted in a semi quickset fashion. To adjust the date you will have to move the hour hand (in one hour jumps) backwards or forwards up to 24 times to change the date. This is the only movement in Rolex's line up that allows the date to be set backwards.

To adjust the red 24 hour you must move the minute hand until the desired hour is reached on the red 24 hand.

To set the watch, you must first use the minute hand to set the 24 hand and the proper minutes. Then set the hour hand to the desired local time.

A third timezone can be tracked by using the bi-directional bezel.


Thanks for reading.

[Rockrolex]

Roger, if all it takes to determine the bezel color for you is to post a bunch of pictures, I would be happy to oblige. Let me show you why black is beautiful, my friend:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15/edkessler/GMT.jpg

I mean, it doesn't get any better than that now. :clap: :agree:

P.S. In case you hadn't figured it out, this is my favorite watch of all time. :thumbsup:

[baseballduck]

Great review Roger, but I'm still confused as to what the red hour hand does. :thinking:

Tyler

[RogerF]

Great review Roger, but I'm still confused as to what the red hour hand does. :thinking:

Tyler


Its like we have said, its a red 24 hour hand but it moves one full circle around the dial every 24 hours as opposed to the regular hour hands 12 hour circle. This extra hour hand shows another timezone. The GMT2 is a multi timezone watch.


HTH

[JJ Irani]

Excellent review, Roger, thanks. :clap:

I've had the distinct pleasure of owning the GMT as well as the GMT-II in the past. I've had three in all - the first being the pepsi bezel, then the red/black bezel and finally the all black bezel like Ed's.

Great all round practical watch to own and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone who so wishes to buy one. Go ahead....you won't be disappointed.

JJ :thumbsup:

[aelred]

Just got my first Rolex on Wednesday, a GMT II, same as what Rockrolex has posted pictures of.

Quick impressions: Very comfortable. I like the smaller clasp on the GMT, even compared to the clasp on my SMP, as I'm a desk jockey and find it a bit less obtrusive under the wrist when I'm typing. The GMT seems to be about the perfect size for me, and while I do like physically bigger watches, this seems to exude a nice presence. Then again, that could be me staring at it all day. :)

It seems to be very subdued. I kept my eyes open to see if anybody noticed it or did a double-take today, nary a one. Maybe it's the proliferation of "active" watches with dive bezels at work, who knows.

I was originally a bit worried about the 24H hand making the dial seem cluttered, but I find it unobtrusive. The red of the hand isn't annoying, and the triangle-shaped pointer seems to blend in nicely amidst the hour markers.

The only thing I'm reserving judgement on for now is the cyclops. While I find the date very readable and convenient, I think the face is magnificent on it's own without the additional lense. I'm going to reserve judgement until I've worn this a while longer.

And my bezel and GMT hand is setup correctly. :)

[JJ Irani]

Congrats, Scott, on an excellent acquisition. Now all we need is a nice picture!!:thumbsup:

[padi56]

Excellent review Roger

[Rockrolex]

Just got my first Rolex on Wednesday, a GMT II, same as what Rockrolex has posted pictures of.

Quick impressions: Very comfortable. I like the smaller clasp on the GMT, even compared to the clasp on my SMP, as I'm a desk jockey and find it a bit less obtrusive under the wrist when I'm typing. The GMT seems to be about the perfect size for me, and while I do like physically bigger watches, this seems to exude a nice presence. Then again, that could be me staring at it all day. :)

It seems to be very subdued. I kept my eyes open to see if anybody noticed it or did a double-take today, nary a one. Maybe it's the proliferation of "active" watches with dive bezels at work, who knows.

I was originally a bit worried about the 24H hand making the dial seem cluttered, but I find it unobtrusive. The red of the hand isn't annoying, and the triangle-shaped pointer seems to blend in nicely amidst the hour markers.

The only thing I'm reserving judgement on for now is the cyclops. While I find the date very readable and convenient, I think the face is magnificent on it's own without the additional lense. I'm going to reserve judgement until I've worn this a while longer.

And my bezel and GMT hand is setup correctly. :)
Somehow I missed this thread since your posting, Scott. Congratulations on acquiring one of the most beautiful sport watches made (and that's a completely objective opinion, mind you :lol: ). I know what you mean by constantly staring at it. I've had mine for nearly two years and never get tired of looking at it. Enjoy it and wear it well. :cheers: :thumbsup: :clap:

[TARDIS]

Nice review and great pics mate. I hope to get one exactly the same soon with the rouge/noir lunette.

I had an Omega with 24 hour (GMT)hand and it was even more complex to set the time. Also, I found the bezel on the Omega was not that easy to read due to the way in which they had divided the segments of 24hrs. I always set the GMT hand on UTC because of my pastime of aircraft monitoring. Before I retired, I regularly traveled the Pacific Region and to CONUS, so I got used to UTC as a reference still used by my former employer. Where I live now there is no seasonal time changes, so I don't need to move the bezel.

Rolex GMT Master I consider to be the best of the best multi time zone watches. Congrats and wear it in good health!:cheers: :cheers:

Tardis

[Atl]

i almost bought another one recently, but bought a Sub-date instead. Mine was the same as yours, dk. red/black. I played tennis with it thru college, might not sound too bad, until you understand I am left handed, so the watch got a pounding being on my raquet hand. Also, learned how to snow ski with it in Vermont, fell down alot! Even dropped off of a two story balcony. Ran like a top. I didn't even service it for the ten years I had it, didn't know you had to!! It was given to me after H.S. graduation, and before I knew who much it costs (had no idea!), and how special these watches are. I just thought it was a nice watch, Eighteen, and ignorant I guess.
I will take my new Sub scuba diving, but no tennis,it totally gets babied!
I now wonder how that GMT II survived??? Still have fond memories of that watch.

[dff3]

The first Rolex I ever owned was a Red/Blue GMT in the mid 70's. And I must admit it still throws me a little to see any GMT without the Red and Blue bezel. I gues that's more of you can't teach an old dog...

Yours is a real beauty. Great good luck.

[Matric]

I am about to purchase a 16710 but noticed that in the US at least the seconds hand is red while in Canada and on the Rolex website, the hand is green. Anyone know the reason for this. First thought was that the reds were fakes.

Also is it worth hanging on to my Submariner SS 16800 bought in the 80's or trading it in on the new watch. Is it likely to increase in value or is it just too common to ever be a collector item.

[Matric]

Sorry, I meant hours hand.

[JJ Irani]

Sorry, I meant hours hand.

The model pictured above is the older model with the RED 24-hour hand. This model is slowly being phased away and being replaced by the new model with the ceramic bezel and GREEN 24-hour hand.

JJ

[Matric]

Thanks JJ Irani. Great forum.

[bigmikebee]

good stuff

[Solar]

I have a Pepsi Z series I bought in March of this year.

Its an extremely functional, comfortable and beautiful watch. The finish of the bling-edge of the bezel is more pronounced in my opinion on the GMT than it is on my Sea Dweller, giving it a different look.

A fantastic watch, congratulations!

Chris

[T5AUS]

Great review Roger, that sounds like quite an added bonus with the third time zone option.

[G.J]

Excellent work...:thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Peter Hightower]

If you don't mind me asking, what was the price point of the piece ? and did they have a new Pepsi bezel in stock, or the new ceramic bezel type ? I'm close to Toronto
Cheers

[dwaine99]

You have excellent taste Roger.... just recently picked up MY
1st...

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y212/dwaine/DSC01200.jpg

[frostie]

Nice review. There still many of them available here in greece

[vitacura]

Beautiful watches!

[miner]

Not often you see a two year old post re-surface. Must be a good watch.

I'm biased of course..

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l307/miner900/GMT1.jpg

:cheers:

WHOA Just hit 1K posts.. watch out JJ here I come..

:cheers::cheers::cheers::thumbsup::cheers::cheers: :cheers:

[RogerF]

Still one of my favs. Had to let her go a little while ago, but will replace her soon! =)

[Perdu]

Good review, thanks. I had one back in 1990 and the date mechanism failed three times in a year. Ended up back with the AD but I think I was extremely unlucky. It's a fantastic and iconic watch and the GMT that everything else is compared to. Enjoy.

[CoopJr]

I had one back in 1990 and the date mechanism failed three times in a year.

Interesting:thinking: The DD I had was less than a year old when something inside failed...sound like a snap..stopped cold dead:thumbsdow. The AD had it repaired under warranty...the year was 1990.

[progolferv1]

great piece but I think that i ma going to trade mine for a gmtc

[FanFromLakeMary]

Please forgive me if I'm hijacking this thread. But has anybody found a reliable source for a Pepsi bezel? I have the black bezel, and may want to change it out

[jasper]

Hi Newbie here - name's jasper

I'm wondering what the water resistance is of the GMT.

I've been wearing my Omega Speedmaster Pro for the last ten years and have always told myself it's the only watch I'll ever need (I really do love it). But in my heart of hearts I've always wanted a Rolex. Next year I'm taking an international assignment so this seems like the perfect time to buy a muti time zone Rolex right?

Well, the deal is the Speedy is not even a bit waterproof, and I'm thinking a sub would actually be better choice, just to round out the collection you know. Thing is I don't go in the water much at all, and when I do it's only splashing around with the kids.

Will the GMT go swimming safely ?

[nyyankees]

Should be good for 330 ft I think!

[Incurable]

Wow, this thread has staying power... Must be powered by Viagra. Warning: If you experience a thread that lasts more than 2 years, consult your moderator...

http://www.cnctechnw.com/pics/DSC_0292b.jpg

[Mario]

Thats just like my GMTII with the black bezel. It looks good and not to flashy.

[CPCC]

All the bezels look good but the black is really dashing.

[JBat]

The Coke GMT is sweet! :thumbsup:

[portable75]

I love my GMT II. Best purchase ever:clap:

[sea-dweller]

Great review and timepiece. I own a T series 16710 with the "Pepsi" bezel insert.

[bgriz]

Read this again, it makes me want the GMT II even more. Great review!

[kcmo]

Really cool everyone!

[sea-dweller]

Good review and great watch !!!

[marshallr47]

Great review Roger. Good reading. One of my favs.

[tommy_uk77]

good review,but now where still can find brand new 16710 ?

[superdelsol]

I looked at a few new 16710's at 2 different AD's here in Tucson AZ, USA just a month ago. One AD had the "Pepsi" and Black bezel available, but had already marked them up to $5750. Another AD had had a "Pepsi" in the safe and it was still at the pre-price increase price of $5075. I almost bought the "Pepsi" but the red/blue just didn't smile at me, so I decided to get a pre-owned 16710 in red/black "Coke" colors. I keep reading that the 16710 is discontinued, but it's still in the catalog. Maybe Rolex will keep it around for a few more years like they did with the original GMT Master after the GMT Master II came out. I really like the 16710 in "Coke" and am pleased that I was able to find a mint "Late A series" example with box and papers for $3500. The $1500+ I saved over new will go towards the next one, I'm thinking Yacht-Master. I've seen some speculators selling the "Last" of the 16710's at a premium because they are "discontinued" or have the "Rare" stick dial with "GMT Master ll" instead of the usual roman numeral "GMT Master II". I've also read that a number of people have verified that the latest 16710's have the GMT2C caliber.

[tommy_uk77]

I looked at a few new 16710's at 2 different AD's here in Tucson AZ, USA just a month ago. One AD had the "Pepsi" and Black bezel available, but had already marked them up to $5750. Another AD had had a "Pepsi" in the safe and it was still at the pre-price increase price of $5075. I almost bought the "Pepsi" but the red/blue just didn't smile at me, so I decided to get a pre-owned 16710 in red/black "Coke" colors. I keep reading that the 16710 is discontinued, but it's still in the catalog. Maybe Rolex will keep it around for a few more years like they did with the original GMT Master after the GMT Master II came out. I really like the 16710 in "Coke" and am pleased that I was able to find a mint "Late A series" example with box and papers for $3500. The $1500+ I saved over new will go towards the next one, I'm thinking Yacht-Master. I've seen some speculators selling the "Last" of the 16710's at a premium because they are "discontinued" or have the "Rare" stick dial with "GMT Master ll" instead of the usual roman numeral "GMT Master II". I've also read that a number of people have verified that the latest 16710's have the GMT2C caliber.

hi can share which AD selling 16710 Pepsi $5075?

[superdelsol]

The AD with the Pepsi dial for $5075 was Marshall's Jewelers in Tucson, AZ, USA. They are located on Grant Road. They told me that they forgot to change the price tag when the price increase occured in early March, as the watch was in the safe. I don't know if the watch is still there. It seems as though there were still a few 16710's in stock at another AD, Ben Bridge last month also. Ben Bridge was selling them for $5750 though, due to the price increase.

[Coastal1]

Nice review! I love my Black Bezel GMT-II more each day. Great watch!:thumbsup:

[Scarface]

GMT-II rocks :thumbsup:

[Dommar41]

I love my GMT II. Best purchase ever:clap:

I have to agree with you!

[jdc]

A new member of the GMT 11 club and am loving it - mines a pepsi :thumbsup:

[Rockrolex]

A new member of the GMT 11 club and am loving it - mines a pepsi :thumbsup:
Welcome to the 4 hand club, Martin. :cheers::cheers::cheers:

[Guru]

Hi, nice posts guys.
I have had a GMT Blue/Red for 2 years now and still love looking at the time ;-)

I have one question for you. If i wanted to change the bezal (not that i dont love the blue/black) to Black, is it possible to have Rolex do this or a 3rd party?

What would you recomend?

Thanks!

[doc_colton]

The bezel inserts are easily interchangeable, in fact I believe there is a tutorial on the forum showing how to do it yourself. Rolex will do it for you of course, not sure of the current price of a bezel insert or what they charge for the service.

[thetuk]

Another owner of GMT II M series Coke. Bought mine a week ago. I must admit that it has really grown on me....loving it. GMT is a really handsome-looking watch in my opinion.....:clap:

By the way, I asked my AD about changing bezels on GMT. I was told that RSC would do it but they would keep the original bezel. I find that really odd.

[dankap]

great post

[pwrslider]

Another owner of GMT II M series Coke. Bought mine a week ago. I must admit that it has really grown on me....loving it. GMT is a really handsome-looking watch in my opinion.....:clap:

By the way, I asked my AD about changing bezels on GMT. I was told that RSC would do it but they would keep the original bezel. I find that really odd.

There are some watchsmiths that are able to get original Rolex parts....they can order a bezel for ya..and swap it out...letting you keep the original.

[temptones1]

Don't forget you can use the GMT as a compass...point the hour hand(the short one with the Mercedes-like insignia) toward the sun and wherever that pointer faces it is north...Souther hemisphere would be south...compensate one number for Daylight Savings...Cool right ?

[jrpnascimento]

Sorry for my English! As this review is about GMT II, I want to say that they are all masterpiece (with either bezel).A watch like this costs in a AD in São Paulo around $7500.The tax on imported products is one of the highest in the world, so many people here, when travelling to USA, buy watches for lower prices and sell in Brazil. How much do you think I would pay for one new if I go there? Also, I would like to know if in your countries the new GMT II ceramic bezel is in great request (demand), because here in Brazil they are still hard to find. Nice talking to you, Pat

[tinstar]

This thread is timeless just like the GMT!!

GMT Coke was my first Rolex and I have a late "m" GMT-II/3186 coke sitting in the safe.

Coke was the original and is still the best!!

[HDHNTER]

The thread that would not die.:clap: Great review! :thumbsup:
The GMT is by far my favorite Rolex and if I had to sell all but one the decision would be a very easy one for me. Honestly, if the GMT had been my first Rolex purchase it's very likely it would also have been my last as this one just smiles the most at me and since buying it I have lost all desire for another. The Sub & Daytona while great in their own right did not give me the level of satisfaction the GMT does & since getting my GMT they have become safe queens. The versatility of swapping bezel inserts is just icing on the cake. It really is like have 3 in 1. :cheers:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f160/HDHNTER/Watch%20Pics/CIMG6300.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f160/HDHNTER/Watch%20Pics/GMTMasterIIwristshot.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f160/HDHNTER/Watch%20Pics/P8280480.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f160/HDHNTER/Watch%20Pics/P8230028.jpg

My 'M' was originally of the Pepsi persuasion but I find the Coke to be my favorite of the two. One of these days I need to try out my black insert but the Coke looks so damn good I'm reluctant to change it. A truly :smokin: watch.