The Rolex GMT Master II ref. 116710LN was the first stainless steel GMT in the brand’s lineup with a ceramic bezel. It was a staple, with production continuing for just over a decade from its debut in 2007 until around 2018, when the Rolex 116710 was discontinued. Reference 116710LN doesn’t have the multi-colored bezels like some of its counterparts. Still, its all-black aesthetic is timeless and still highly sought after by collectors today.
Key Takeaways:
- Production Years: 2007 – 2018
- Firsts: First stainless steel GMT with a Cerachrom bezel and “Super Case”
- Signature Detail: Green GMT hand and matching “GMT-Master II” text
- Movement: Rolex Caliber 3186 with Parachrom Blue hairspring
- Current Status: Discontinued, making it a high-value target on the secondary market
In this watch review we take a look at longevity, tech features and comparisons to newer models such as the “Bruce Wayne” to determine if the 116710LN should be in your collection.
A Landmark in History: The Shift to Ceramic
Rolex took its GMT-Master II design in a new direction with the 116710LN. The Crown produced the aluminum bezel 16710 for almost twenty years before introducing this stainless steel model. The stainless steel watch was released as a successor to the gold anniversary GMT released in 2005, and the two-tone model later in 2006. The LN in the model name stands for “Lunette Noire”, French for black bezel. GMT fans had been clamoring for a ceramic bezel that would not fade or scratch, paired with the lower price point of stainless steel, and they got it with this model.
Rolex released the 116710LN during a period when they were updating their sports watch collection. The new model provided GMT enthusiasts who wore their watches daily with the benefit of ceramic’s scratch resistance and non-fading colors compared to aluminum bezels. It was an immediate success with travelers and purist collectors.
Rolex GMT-Master II “Sea King”
- Only 123 pieces were produced for UK Special Forces operations
- Features a unique caseback engraving: “Fear God, Honour the King”
- Represents one of the rarest variants of the 116710LN reference
- Highly sought after by collectors interested in military-issued Rolex watches
- Combines stealth aesthetics with historical significance
Design & “Super Case” Ergonomics
The 116710LN also debuted a new case profile referred to by fans as the “Rolex Super Case“. This new profile features thicker lugs and more angular crown guards than previous vintage references. The larger case construction allowed Rolex to thicken up the case allowing for increased durability without changing the diameter of the watch which remains at 40mm. This gives the watch a somewhat “boxy” look next to vintage watches which have a more slimmed down profile.
The dial utilizes what has become known in collector circles as the “Maxi” style dial layout. Featuring larger hour markers and hands first seen on the Kermit Submariner, these extra-large dial elements offer better legibility in low light conditions due to their increased surface area allowing for more applied luminescent material. This design also allows for quicker reading of the time at a glance, whether reading local time or checking a second time zone.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Case Diameter | 40mm |
| Thickness | 12.1mm – 12.2mm (Slips under a cuff easily) |
| Lug-to-Lug | 48.5mm (51mm with end-links) |
| Material | 904L Oystersteel |
| Bezel | 24-Click Bidirectional Cerachrom (Ceramic) |
| Water Resistance | 100 Meters (Triplock Crown) |
The Heart of the Watch: Caliber 3186
Movement-wise, the 116710LN is powered by Rolex’s Caliber 3186 movement. This movement is specially made for “True GMT” complications. Instead of simpler GMT complications, the wearer can set the local hour hand independently of stopping the watch or changing the minutes, seconds, or GMT hand. This feature allows for seamless time zone changes when traveling which distinguishes the GMT-Master II from lower end GMT watches.
Why the 3186 matters:
- Parachrom Blue Hairspring: Provides antimagnetic properties and superior shock resistance, maintaining accuracy even in challenging conditions
- Power Reserve: Approximately 48-50 hours, enough for a full weekend off the wrist
- Accuracy: Meets Superlative Chronometer standards of +2/-2 seconds per day, certified after casing
- Reliability: Built on decades of GMT-Master development with proven durability
- Serviceability: Rolex service centers worldwide maintain full parts availability
Wearability: The Oyster Bracelet & Clasp
The Oyster bracelet on the 116710LN has polished center links which reflect light differently than the all brushed Submariner bracelet. It’s a subtle extra flourish that adds elegance without being too dressy. The bracelet itself tapers from 20mm wide at the lug to 16mm wide at the clasp. This helps it from appearing top heavy on your wrist.
One feature that needs to be mentioned here is the EasyLink extension. This tool-free 5mm extension allows the wearer to rapidly loosen or tighten the bracelet to accommodate any swelling on flights or from changes in temperature. Flip open the clasp cover and pull out the concealed link. It’s one of those conveniences you never use until you really need it, and then you’ll wonder how you lived without it.
The 116710LN features four fixed links nearest to the case. This can be problematic if you have a wrist smaller than 14cm (just over 6inches), in which case it’s always best to try the watch on before you buy it, if possible. Some owners have had one of these links removed at an authorized Rolex service center.
Rolex 116710LN vs. 126710GRNR “Bruce Wayne”
The closest counterpart to the 116710LN is its successor, the 126710GRNR (colloquially known as the “Bruce Wayne” due to its grey and black colorway). Both feature black on the bezel. However, they are executed completely differently. The black on the 116710LN is an all black Cerachrom bezel with uniform color, where the Bruce Wayne alternates the bezel with black and grey to allow you to easily identify day vs. night hours.
The difference in movements is worth noting too. The 116710LN features the Caliber 3186 with a 48-hour power reserve. The 126710GRNR has the newer 3285 movement with 70 hours of power reserve. The newer GMT also includes the option of a Jubilee bracelet, which has not been offered on the GMT-Master II in modern day until now. The 116710LN does have its quirks that keep it attractive, such as the green GMT hand, which also appears on the Bruce Wayne. If you don’t like the idea of a grey bezel insert or want a monochromatic look, the 116710LN is likely your best option.
Why Buy the 116710LN Today?
Investment wise, I find the 116710LN to be in a weird spot. Generally, it sells at a lower premium than either the Batman (blue/black bezel) or Pepsi (red/blue bezel) from the same 1167XX generation, yet you get the exact same movement, case, and build quality. There is no technical reason it should be cheaper, it simply comes down to looks. If you aren’t into flashy bezels and prefer something a bit more subtle, you get more bang for your buck with the 116710LN.
Price-wise, the watch also lands in a nice range. It’s recent enough to have modern Rolex innovations such as a ceramic bezel and Parachrom hairspring but the discontinued nature of the watch imparts a level of collectibility that brand new watches from the production line don’t. Rolex currently doesn’t make a plain black ceramic bezel in its stainless steel GMT line-up, so the 116710LN is the last of these. As an everyday watch the all black color scheme goes with a suit just as nicely as it does jeans.
Investing in the Legacy: Final Thoughts on the Rolex 116710LN
The 116710LN is for everyone. Long time collectors who travel often and need to keep track of different time zones or collectors who only wear one watch no matter the occasion. Thanks to its monotone look, it will never look out of place. Mix that with a modern build that’s meant to last and a vintage look that will never go out of style, and you have a watch that you NEED to own. Plus its discontinued.
BOX & PAPERS: Box/papers have grown harder to find since production ceased back in 2018. Bob’s Watches prides itself on locating authenticated examples of this reference in NEW condition. While production has ended, you can now only find this piece of Rolex history on the secondary market making this watch a staple for serious collectors who value timeless subtlety over flashy headlines.
