16710 vs 116710 GMT

[sheldonsmith]

Hi All,

I posted my GMTII traditonal vs GMTII-C (116710) comparison page. After wearing the GMTII-C for a month, my notes are posted at http://members.aol.com/sheldons4/116710.htm

I am still tweaking the page getting all the images to line up.

Feel free to add comments, corrections.

Thanks,

-Sheldon

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Below is a preview...

The three year wait for an all stainless updated Rolex GMT was worth it as this watch has hit the mark on many fronts. After wearing an all stainless DateJust, a Turn-O-Graph (TOG), GMTII-T (traditional 16710), SeaDweller, and Submariner, the GMT-C (116710) has met and surpassed all my expectations. The GMT-C combines the updated bracelet of the TOG, the heaviness of the SeaDweller (SD), the maxi-dial of the Limited Version Sub, the security of a Triplock crown from the SD and Sub, and the comfort of a traditional GMT. The additions of the Parachrom Bleu hairspring, the updated clasp, the ceramic bearings under the bezel, and the ceramic bezel insert puts this watch in the next rung of re-designed Rolexes that will be around for generations.

Movement

The movement has been reexamined and the 116710 movement has redesigned elements that set it apart from the 16710. The 16710 movement is a time-tested 3185 movement that allows for moving the hour hand independently forward/backwards as the user travels through time zones. The 116710 movement includes the new Paracrom Bleu hairspring, and according to James Dowling in a TimeZone post, the wheels of the drive train are closer together removing some of the gear play felt in the 16710 when the hour hand was being set. Anyone new to Rolex would not notice, but when compared side-by-side, there is a little more slop when setting the hands of the 16710 than there is with the 116710.

The Case

The 116710 case is larger, thicker, and 1.5mm longer than the 16710 case. The increased size and weight give the watch a much heavier feel than the traditional GMT. Although the watch case is thicker, similar to a SeaDweller in thickness, the watch rides closer to the wrist because the caseback is flatand does not bubble like the 16710 (bottom picture). Subsequently, the watch rides much closer to the wrist thereby negating any watch-flop and top heaviness.

[Green Arrow]

looks like you've done a lot of work!

[Letsgodiving]

Great review!!

In your review you reference the LV (Limited Version). I thought it was "Lunette Verde".

[mike]

Wonderfull review! My only comment would also be on the description of LV as Limited Version.

[RogerF]

Great review thanks for contributing!

[sheldonsmith]

Thanks for the corrections. My mistake. I changed it to Lunette Verde.

-Sheldon

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Very nice review, Sheldon!

You write that the GMT II 116710LN and the SD are (almost) similar in case height.

That is one of the many things that make me want the new GMT II, besides the better constructed clasp and the Maxi Dial.

Here is a nice comparative pic (by Mike) of the height of the new GMT II and the SD:

[leopardprey]

The SD and GMT II though both fit very differently on the wrist. As the above review stateed and I confirm: I coould never get the SD to fit me just right, always too top heavy for me. With the GMT II , the flat case back, combined with the heaver solid center link bracelet and heavier new style clasp, makes the watch sit very comfortable on the wrist.

[bayhillrolex]

Nice review Sheldon .
I also love my 116710

[Geoff]

Great review. I especially appreciated the comment about the cyclops on the 11610. That was the first thing I noticed re my new 11613, in addition to the weight.

Agree that the new GMT ceramic is a great watch. Best Rolex I have owned.

[bjsonline]

Many congrats, great reviews.

Just to add that Rolex have now made it near impossible to get the insert out of the bezel.

They have 9 oblong shapes on the rear of the bezel, and Rolex have a special tool that fits into them, and then the insert pops out.

Its just another route in Rolex keeping control on their products.

I say near impossible, as I have already solved the puzzle in seperating the insert from the bezel.

K

[daunwaun]

Great information guys thanks for sharing

[sheldonsmith]

bjsonline,

Can you show some more picts of the 116710 bezel removed. I have seen the schematic (below) but have not seen it actually taken apart.... (image from WatchTime)

-Sheldon

[vitacura]

What a write-up! Makes me even happier with my choice!

[bigmikebee]

nice write up

[riderxps]

Great review and comparison, Thanks