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| Review of the Rolex GMT Master II 16710 |
The
Rolex GMT Master II is my first pilots watch. That’s right – even though the Master II is cosmetically similar to many Rolex dive style watches (like the Rolex Submariner and Rolex Sea-Dweller) the original Rolex GMT Master was conceived as a tool for airline pilots. You see, back in the 1950′s innovations in aviation technology made transatlantic travel a more appealing option than ever before. The airline PAN AM quickly emerged as a leader in transatlantic travel by jet plane. Not surprisingly it was PAN AM pilots that were first afflicted with the phenomenon which became known as “jet lag.” Jet lag affects those who make frequent transitions between time zones – the “internal clock” of the human body has a difficult time playing “catch up.” PAN AM theorized that if pilots had tool for not only tracking the time in their current time zone, but also the time in their “home” time zone, then it would help lessen the effects of jet lag. PAN AM approached Rolex on this idea, and the two companies worked together to create the
Rolex GMT Master.
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| Review of the Rolex GMT Master II 16710 |
The
Rolex GMT Master II 16710, a long time stalwart of the Rolex range until it was killed off in favour of the new Rolex 116710 GMT II. The Rolex GMT has always been a fan favourite, and, having a pristine example to hand, thought it was time to review this truly beautiful watch. The model reviewed had the "Pepsi" red and blue bezel fitted, and was on the Oyster bracelet, with sports clasp.
Technical Features
*Model ref. Rolex 16710
*Stainless steel case
*Bidirectional 24hr bezel, with choice of blue/red, red/black and black anodised aluminium inserts
*Case Diameter: 40mm
*Black sports dial with luminous (Superluminova) dot and baton markers w/ white gold surrounds
*Twinlock crown with crown guards
*Sapphire crystal with cyclops-magnified date
*24 hr. hand
*Independent hour hand - allows up to three time zones to be displayed concurrently
*Oyster Bracelet
The Movement
*Rolex Calibre 3185
*28.8k BPH
*Approx. 48 hour power reserve
*Self winding chronometer rated movement
*Semi-quickset date (done through independent hour hand)
*Nivarox hairspring
Conclusion The
Rolex GMT has always been Rolex's most practical watch, and this one is no exception. The perfect companion to any traveller, the three time zone feature has made it a long time favourite of commercial pilots. The low profile of the watch makes it a great everyday watch, and I think it looks great with just about anything. The watch is also a real chameleon - get all three inserts, a Jubilee bracelet, and a leather/NATO band, and you've got 9 different looks. Even Panerais aren't that versatile. I think this is probably the watch's strongest point, and makes it particularly unique. Having a brushed Oyster is always beneficial too, it certainy masks the scratches far better than models with polished centre links.
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