First time Rolex owner - 16710 GMT

[sunizzle]

Hey all! Just wanted to share - long time lurker and first time poster.

I was on the hunt for a GMT for a long, long while to commemorate the birth of my daughter and naturally gravitated towards trying to find the perfect Rolex to complete my collection. I hesitated with the stigma of Rolex watches initially of course, and only after getting deep into the WIS world did I come back around and really appreciate what they do - make excellent, reliable tough-as-nails watches that stand the test of time.

Starting my hunt, I really focused on the 6-digit models and especially lusted after the BLNR for months and months. The ceramic bezel color combination, fully milled clasp and technical engine stats of the 3186 definitely had me interested. However - after trying it on my small 6.5" wrist at an AD, I somehow felt it had a bit more heft than I wanted. The maxi dial, case and PCLs also niggled at me. Fantastic watch and I really do love it, but in the end I think it wasn't for me - I wanted something more classic and tool-ish.

I gravitated towards trying to find the perfect 16710, and after diving into the depths of understanding serials, SELs, bezels, lug holes, and any number of combinations, I found a mint F serial with SEL and no lug holes. I've got NOS Pepsi and Coke bezel inserts en route, but couldn't resist sharing now. I plan on immediately putting the pepsi bezel on in a few days upon receipt. Happy to share once that happens as well.

First impressions:

I absolutely love the overall aesthetic. The slim form factor, classic bezel and smaller dial indices, and yes even the lightweight bracelet. Despite the SEL, it still has a lot more rattle than you might expect and certainly not nearly as substantial as even my Black Bay's bracelet. I can see how others might pick it up and feel it doesn't have that "big heavy luxury watch" feel and turn a lot of folks off.

However after wearing nonstop for the past week - I noticed something interesting, perhaps even indicative of classic watch design of the era. You almost forget the watch is on - it's so light and slim, but it's perfectly there and rock solid - ready when you need it. I get the feeling like I'm wearing the watch and not the other way around. It seems to have the perfect blend of weight and lightness that just sings to me. This may sound like a full throated honeymoon period (and it possibly is), but as with a classic Speedmaster, the watch's fit, finish and history impart an incredible feeling every time I take a peek at the wrist. I can easily see this thing staying on the wrist for another 30+ years. While I don't think I'll ever be a "one watch" guy, this certainly comes damn close to ticking every box.

Thanks for letting me share! Would love everyone's thoughts.






Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[zeeww]

Looks great!

[sickened1]

Very nice! Congrats. Here's a pic while you wait for those bezels to come in. Also might want to consider adding a jubilee bracelet too.

[sensui]

Looks like a clean one. Congrats and wear in good health.

[Tony64]

Terrific watch!

I think you said it best when you said that this reference is a watch that you wear and not one that wears you. Very well proportioned, sophisticated yet no nonsense timepiece. Great choice!

As an aside, the original black bezel actually looks best to me but nice that you have the options and variety with this watch.

[SemperFi]

Great looking on your wrist. Congratulations and welcome to TRF.

[fishingbear]

Congratulations, one of the best classics IMO!

[Sky21]

As you said, the 16710 is a perfect combination of light weight and toughness that will last a long, long time. Great idea to get all 3 inserts so you can change things up when the mood strikes you. I will second the idea above of picking up a Jubilee bracelet as well. They are crazy comfortable and another different look for the same watch. Here are two pics of my 16750, one on the oyster and one on the jubilee.

[The Libertine]

Excellent choice! Congratulations!!

[watchwatcher]

Very nice...congrats!

[Psmith]

Congrats

[mementomori1983]

Looks to be in amazing condition. Congrats! Having owned several Rolex references, I can agree that this one comes closest to ticking off all the boxes: comfortable, versatile, and has the most useful complications. Simply a classic!

[JP.]

That's perfect.

My preference is the Pepsi but that's an easy "fix" for you as well (if you ever feel like fixing it haha).

[mtgjr]

Congrats! That's a beautiful example and a great review. I agree with your sentiments wholeheartedly.

[spandrels]

You wear it well! Enjoy

[PTruong]

Congrats

[And1dre]

Congrats!

[SurewoodMike]

Originally Posted by sunizzle

Hey all! Just wanted to share - long time lurker and first time poster.

I was on the hunt for a GMT for a long, long while to commemorate the birth of my daughter and naturally gravitated towards trying to find the perfect Rolex to complete my collection. I hesitated with the stigma of Rolex watches initially of course, and only after getting deep into the WIS world did I come back around and really appreciate what they do - make excellent, reliable tough-as-nails watches that stand the test of time.

Starting my hunt, I really focused on the 6-digit models and especially lusted after the BLNR for months and months. The ceramic bezel color combination, fully milled clasp and technical engine stats of the 3186 definitely had me interested. However - after trying it on my small 6.5" wrist at an AD, I somehow felt it had a bit more heft than I wanted. The maxi dial, case and PCLs also niggled at me. Fantastic watch and I really do love it, but in the end I think it wasn't for me - I wanted something more classic and tool-ish.

I gravitated towards trying to find the perfect 16710, and after diving into the depths of understanding serials, SELs, bezels, lug holes, and any number of combinations, I found a mint F serial with SEL and no lug holes. I've got NOS Pepsi and Coke bezel inserts en route, but couldn't resist sharing now. I plan on immediately putting the pepsi bezel on in a few days upon receipt. Happy to share once that happens as well.

First impressions:

I absolutely love the overall aesthetic. The slim form factor, classic bezel and smaller dial indices, and yes even the lightweight bracelet. Despite the SEL, it still has a lot more rattle than you might expect and certainly not nearly as substantial as even my Black Bay's bracelet. I can see how others might pick it up and feel it doesn't have that "big heavy luxury watch" feel and turn a lot of folks off.

However after wearing nonstop for the past week - I noticed something interesting, perhaps even indicative of classic watch design of the era. You almost forget the watch is on - it's so light and slim, but it's perfectly there and rock solid - ready when you need it. I get the feeling like I'm wearing the watch and not the other way around. It seems to have the perfect blend of weight and lightness that just sings to me. This may sound like a full throated honeymoon period (and it possibly is), but as with a classic Speedmaster, the watch's fit, finish and history impart an incredible feeling every time I take a peek at the wrist. I can easily see this thing staying on the wrist for another 30+ years. While I don't think I'll ever be a "one watch" guy, this certainly comes damn close to ticking every box.

Thanks for letting me share! Would love everyone's thoughts.






Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nice first choice

Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk

[SurewoodMike]

Originally Posted by sunizzle

Hey all! Just wanted to share - long time lurker and first time poster.

I was on the hunt for a GMT for a long, long while to commemorate the birth of my daughter and naturally gravitated towards trying to find the perfect Rolex to complete my collection. I hesitated with the stigma of Rolex watches initially of course, and only after getting deep into the WIS world did I come back around and really appreciate what they do - make excellent, reliable tough-as-nails watches that stand the test of time.

Starting my hunt, I really focused on the 6-digit models and especially lusted after the BLNR for months and months. The ceramic bezel color combination, fully milled clasp and technical engine stats of the 3186 definitely had me interested. However - after trying it on my small 6.5" wrist at an AD, I somehow felt it had a bit more heft than I wanted. The maxi dial, case and PCLs also niggled at me. Fantastic watch and I really do love it, but in the end I think it wasn't for me - I wanted something more classic and tool-ish.

I gravitated towards trying to find the perfect 16710, and after diving into the depths of understanding serials, SELs, bezels, lug holes, and any number of combinations, I found a mint F serial with SEL and no lug holes. I've got NOS Pepsi and Coke bezel inserts en route, but couldn't resist sharing now. I plan on immediately putting the pepsi bezel on in a few days upon receipt. Happy to share once that happens as well.

First impressions:

I absolutely love the overall aesthetic. The slim form factor, classic bezel and smaller dial indices, and yes even the lightweight bracelet. Despite the SEL, it still has a lot more rattle than you might expect and certainly not nearly as substantial as even my Black Bay's bracelet. I can see how others might pick it up and feel it doesn't have that "big heavy luxury watch" feel and turn a lot of folks off.

However after wearing nonstop for the past week - I noticed something interesting, perhaps even indicative of classic watch design of the era. You almost forget the watch is on - it's so light and slim, but it's perfectly there and rock solid - ready when you need it. I get the feeling like I'm wearing the watch and not the other way around. It seems to have the perfect blend of weight and lightness that just sings to me. This may sound like a full throated honeymoon period (and it possibly is), but as with a classic Speedmaster, the watch's fit, finish and history impart an incredible feeling every time I take a peek at the wrist. I can easily see this thing staying on the wrist for another 30+ years. While I don't think I'll ever be a "one watch" guy, this certainly comes damn close to ticking every box.

Thanks for letting me share! Would love everyone's thoughts.






Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Love your choice!

Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk

[sunizzle]

Originally Posted by sickened1

Very nice! Congrats. Here's a pic while you wait for those bezels to come in. Also might want to consider adding a jubilee bracelet too.

Hadn't even thought of a jubilee! Looks fantastic.

It's OEM to the watch right? Can you get at an RSC or must you source it separately?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[sunizzle]

Originally Posted by Sky21

As you said, the 16710 is a perfect combination of light weight and toughness that will last a long, long time. Great idea to get all 3 inserts so you can change things up when the mood strikes you. I will second the idea above of picking up a Jubilee bracelet as well. They are crazy comfortable and another different look for the same watch. Here are two pics of my 16750, one on the oyster and one on the jubilee.

Amazing - damn now I must look for this too.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[AJM914]

Congrats looks great!

[rmlovett1]

Looks sharp, congrats!:)

[droptopman]

Welcome to the forum.
Nice post of your journey to the GMT. Looks to be a very nice example.
Big congrats

[StevieWatch]

Congrats

[LuminousMaximus]

Lots of love for the GMT. Congrats!

[Oceanlover914]

Congratulations. I like the all black bezel myself, but that's cuz I am a sub guy. Wear it in good health.

[HACKNSACK44]

Congrats!!

[watchmework]

Congrats, wear it in good health.

[niseko]

Definitely my choice if I had to choose one watch to wear for the rest of my life. Congrats and welcome to the club ;)