Why did Rolex put the Maxi Dial/Bezel on the new GMT IIs (116710)?

[pythonos41]

I’m trying to understand why Rolex put the maxi dial/bezel on the new GMT IIs. The 116170 models. Is it true to the original 1954 Pan Am GMTs?

I know there are some people that really like the maxi dial. Can someone help me understand why Rolex did this or why it is so well received? Is there some historical significance I’m missing?

I legitimately want to like the new GMTs, because I love everything else but the large numbers and dots. I just feel like the older 16710 looked way better and for me a lot of it has to do with the fact that it has smaller numbers and dots. I’m hoping someone can drop some knowledge on me and get me on board the maxi dial/bezel train.

Thanks!

[lig]

You're way overthinking this. Get what appeals to you.

[pythonos41]

Originally Posted by lig

You're way overthinking this. Get what appeals to you.

Thanks for the reply, but I’m just trying to understand why Rolex put giant numbers on the new GMT IIs. If there was some historical significance or something.

[Singslinger]

I doubt there's any historical meaning to it; on the contrary, I think it's the opposite - Rolex was modernizing a classic watch.

[pythonos41]

Originally Posted by Singslinger

I doubt there's any historical meaning to it; on the contrary, I think it's the opposite - Rolex was modernizing a classic watch.

Understood, thanks.

I guess it’s the 16710 for me then. I just wish it didn’t cost the same as a brand new 116710.

[joli160]

Just try both the 16710 and the 116710 on the wrist and reserve judgement till you do. Totally different watch. Personally I like the maxi dial

[gwalker]

Well I'm 32 and I love all the Maxi dials. I guess the same reason that the company that made the VW Beetle made the Bugatti Chiron. A little variation.


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[Shamorai]

Do you think Rolex should never make any cosmetic changes to their watches? It's just a modern update which I think looks great.

[Onikage]

All the GMTIIC changes were to accommodate the fatter lugs. The large numbers are in the font found on the Yacht-Master, first seen in 1990 so hardly a new font. Though it's kinda obvious which I prefer both the 16710 and 116710 are very nice watches. I certainly wouldn't kick a GMTIIC out of bed. I agree you should try both on as the new clasp and bezel assembly make the latest iteration seem a more premium product to a new buyer. 16710s have gone a bit overboard in price for what they are and considering there must be literally millions out there... I love mine to bits.

[Cru Jones]

Fonts have changed repeatedly over the years. Just a question of style, IMO.

The maxi dial, on the other hand, is at once both more modern than the smaller dots of the 80s/90s and more retro, as they harken back to the older and larger size. Plus, there's the functional benefit of greater visibility.

Some argue, however, that the change was mostly cosmetic to give the style more "presence".

[meganfox17]

Originally Posted by pythonos41

I guess it’s the 16710 for me then. I just wish it didn’t cost the same as a brand new 116710.

Sure you don't wanna get on board the gravy train?

[jrs146]

I like both dials. I've always given a slight edge to the maxi. But that's just m opinion


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[Thuilln]

Get yourself a nice Pepsi 16710, you won't regret it.

[ras47]

I do love my 16710, but I think the maxi dial is the best, especially with my beefy wrists. It’s all part of the trend for bigger watches. More wrist presence.

[jaySL350]

Originally Posted by meganfox17

Sure you don't wanna get on board the gravy train?

Great pics and analogy Megan,,,
thanks for sharing,,,,jay

[Fiddich]

It does not make sense for a GMT watch to have a divers dial. Let alone the maxi version of it.

[tomchicago]

I don't like the maxi dials. Just too much lume on the dial. Hard to look at. Same goes for the lumed romans on the current explorer I 214270.

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by pythonos41

I legitimately want to like the new GMTs, because I love everything else but the large numbers and dots. I just feel like the older 16710 looked way better and for me a lot of it has to do with the fact that it has smaller numbers and dots.
Thanks!

There's really no need to force yourself to like anything...if you like the older model, then get that and stop all this mental angst about the new model.

Life's too short.

[AK797]

It's just a more modern look, the new numbers are bigger and flashier, but the older ones do look dated to me by comparison. It also has the new maxi-case so the maxi dial makes sense.

[m j b]

Exactly. Just buy whatever floats your boat, and don't worry about why, or what other people may think.

[Wildy]

Originally Posted by AK797

It's just a more modern look, the new numbers are bigger and flashier, but the older ones do look dated to me by comparison. It also has the new maxi-case so the maxi dial makes sense.

Exactly

[oldman2005]

Originally Posted by pythonos41

Understood, thanks.

I guess it’s the 16710 for me then. I just wish it didn’t cost the same as a brand new 116710.

You should have gotten into Rolex much sooner. Years ago I could have gotten brand new Pepsi GMT cheaper than new current GMT, but I picked the current Cermanic GMT instead and never looked back.

[HogwldFLTR]

What I'm not fond of isn't the lumes which look great on the Maxi dials. It's the fat font on the inserts that just lacks the refinedness of the prior models. It wasn't until I got my SD that I realized this is a design choice on the part of Rolex and doesn't have to be that way.

[pythonos41]

Originally Posted by joli160

Just try both the 16710 and the 116710 on the wrist and reserve judgement till you do. Totally different watch. Personally I like the maxi dial

You're right. So far I have only tried on the 16710 Y Serial when I came across it at an AD. I have been so enamored with it that it thrust me into the Rolex world.

So I wondered what the newer GMT IIs looked like and saw that they hit the zoom button on the dial and bezel. I was just curious if it was some sort of throwback to the original GMT IIs from the 50s.

I am excited to try it on though and compare the two.

[pythonos41]

Originally Posted by Onikage

All the GMTIIC changes were to accommodate the fatter lugs. The large numbers are in the font found on the Yacht-Master, first seen in 1990 so hardly a new font. Though it's kinda obvious which I prefer both the 16710 and 116710 are very nice watches. I certainly wouldn't kick a GMTIIC out of bed. I agree you should try both on as the new clasp and bezel assembly make the latest iteration seem a more premium product to a new buyer. 16710s have gone a bit overboard in price for what they are and considering there must be literally millions out there... I love mine to bits.

Yes! Thanks for the reply. I am going to check out the new 116710s in person.

[pythonos41]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Fonts have changed repeatedly over the years. Just a question of style, IMO.

The maxi dial, on the other hand, is at once both more modern than the smaller dots of the 80s/90s and more retro, as they harken back to the older and larger size. Plus, there's the functional benefit of greater visibility.

Some argue, however, that the change was mostly cosmetic to give the style more "presence".

[rgwarden]

Originally Posted by pythonos41

You're right. So far I have only tried on the 16710 Y Serial when I came across it at an AD. I have been so enamored with it that it thrust me into the Rolex world.



So I wondered what the newer GMT IIs looked like and saw that they hit the zoom button on the dial and bezel. I was just curious if it was some sort of throwback to the original GMT IIs from the 50s.



I am excited to try it on though and compare the two.

For me it's a question of balance, and this is entirely subjective. I had a BLNR (my first Rolex) and found the whole maxi look began to get in the way of just telling the time on the thing. I then tried on a 5 digit explorer II and it was a no brainer that I preferred it, all over. Lugs, crown, crown shoulders, bezel, plots, hands, all of it. Yep and price too. With same movement. The older pepsis are just classic looking watches to me, with perfect balance.
If you prefer Maxi that's great maxi posters, but it's fine for those of us that don't too.
You're the one wearing it, try both and choose which you prefer.


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[Quicksilver]

I always thought it was for a more retro look. The Maxi dial plots resemble the larger plots on the old matt dials without the white gold surrounds. I love the Maxi dial.

[rgwarden]

And in the name of balance I'll add that I also love the maxi dial on the five digit LV and on the old 5513s. I just prefer the 16710s to the GMTc.
(Never thought I'd even know the difference between these references. Terrifying addiction this Rolex thing)


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[sunizzle]

Get what sings to you. I spent months looking at the BLNR but eventually went for the 16710 pepsi with a classic case and haven’t looked back. Something about the proportions, balance and aesthetic appeals to me more on my wrist vs. the maxi case/dial, despite those technically being a better watch (movement, bracelet, ceramic, etc.)

The case size and dial were likely refreshed for a number of reasons, including ensuring appropriate balance for the new ceramic bezel they created, increased wrist presence, larger watch trend, more bling factor with PCLs, etc.




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