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It will need to have been 1999 or 2000 when the Rolex GMT-Grasp II ref. 16710 was extremely excessive on my wishlist. I even had the official Rolex commercial for this mannequin because the wallpaper on my Home windows desktop. However I used to be a scholar, and the Rolex GMT-Grasp II was out of attain.
Rolex GMT-Grasp II 16713
The Rolex GMT-Grasp II
The GMT-Grasp has been one in all my favorites since I developed an curiosity in mechanical watches. The historical past of the watch definitely performs a task, however I additionally deeply admire the design of this iconic pilot’s watch. With the introduction of the reference 16760 (“Fats Girl”), Rolex added the unbiased hour hand, making it an much more handy journey companion. In 1989, the GMT-Grasp II ref. 16710 succeeded the “Fats Girl” and remained in manufacturing for a very long time. This additionally performs an element; within the mid-Nineteen Nineties, my curiosity in watches was ignited, and this was the mannequin obtainable throughout these years (till 2006/2007).
GMT-Grasp ref. 1675
Going for a 1675
I aspired to personal it, so I saved all these Rolex GMT-Grasp II commercials from magazines protected. A couple of years later, in 2004, after graduating and beginning my first job, I settled for a Rolex GMT-Grasp 1675 from 1971. I paid €1,800 for it, together with the field and paperwork. The GMT-Grasp was much less fashionable than the Submariner again then (this pattern lasted for a very long time) and was obtainable at enticing costs.
A Rolex GMT-Grasp II 16710 commercial from ca. 2000
Nevertheless, I rapidly realized that the classic Rolex GMT-Grasp 1675 was not for me (I attempted it once more a decade later, solely to come back to the identical conclusion). It was extra dangly than I had anticipated and, in comparison with my Sea-Dweller 16600 (which I additionally purchased in 2004), it felt a bit extra fragile.
Gerard’s 16710
Shopping for a brand-new GMT-Grasp II 16710
I additionally longed for the unbiased hour hand, which might make it a “true” GMT relatively than merely having a further 24-hour hand. For my part, the 16710 was the one to have. I bought the Rolex GMT-Grasp 1675, nevertheless it took a while earlier than I purchased a 16710. In 2006, I bought a brand-new Rolex GMT-Grasp II ref. 16710 within the traditional “Coke” configuration. I additionally made certain to have the opposite bezel inserts (Pepsi and full black) to swap out often. If I bear in mind appropriately, I paid roughly €3,400 for the GMT-Grasp II, which meant there was a slight low cost on the retail value of roughly €4,000.
This Rolex GMT-Grasp II was extra trendy than the 1675. At the moment, I traveled incessantly to varied time zones for work and trip. The Rolex GMT-Grasp II, irrespective of the bezel configuration, was exceptionally helpful. This was earlier than the iPhone got here out (or not less than earlier than I bought my first one), so utilizing a GMT watch was the quickest manner.
I bought my GMT-Grasp II 16710 in 2010 as a result of I used to be obsessive about getting an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26300ST to pair with my Royal Oak “Jumbo” 15202ST. Alas, everybody makes errors.
Weirdly sufficient, I’ve rebought Rolex fashions that I initially bought. I purchased a Sea-Dweller 16600, a GMT-Grasp 1675, and a Yacht-Grasp 16622 for a second time, however I by no means went for the GMT-Grasp II 16710 once more. The costs skyrocketed, and I bear in mind a good friend shopping for a pre-owned 16710 for €7,500 and telling him I believed it was an excessive amount of. I quickly realized this was a mistake.
One other GMT watch first…
Greater than as soon as, I’ve thought of the opportunity of shopping for again an previous mannequin or just buying a contemporary one with a ceramic bezel. The GMT function is kind of helpful, and for some time, I attempted to deal with this with a Grand Seiko GMT (SBGJ201). I received’t say I forgot concerning the GMT-Grasp, however I pushed the considered shopping for one to the again of my thoughts. The 2023 bicolor GMT-Grasp II ref. 126713GRNR modified this, although. After making an attempt it on a number of events, I used to be significantly contemplating getting one. Nevertheless, I remained uncertain concerning the trendy variations. They give the impression of being and put on so otherwise from those I like. That was the rationale I parted with my trendy Submariner with a ceramic bezel, so I finished desirous about the newer GMT-Grasp II for fairly some time.
Again to the GMT-Grasp II
Then, earlier this 12 months, I observed that the GMT-Grasp II had discovered its manner again into my ideas. I began searching Chrono24 and all the standard sellers’ web sites that I do know often function GMT-Masters. The warmth was on, and my focus was on the 16710. It was at that time that I additionally thought of getting a neo-vintage bicolor 16713. I’d at all times beloved these, and through a latest collector’s get-together, I noticed one and tried it on. I began researching the 16713 and determined that if I wished one in all these, it wanted to be on the Jubilee bracelet.
My seek for the 16710 continued, however I concluded that spending about triple the quantity I as soon as paid for a GMT-Grasp II watch felt very fallacious. I didn’t notice the identical funds would additionally get me a 16713 with a brown “Tiger Eye” dial and Jubilee bracelet. Each watches have the identical motion (3185). Solely the final batches have a barely totally different caliber (3186). In 2005, Rolex launched the blue Parachrom hairspring into this caliber, making certain extra stability and resistance to magnetism and shocks.
Reference 16713
The excuse I typically use is that not less than I’m now shopping for a distinct look ahead to this sum of money, not the identical one I as soon as had. Nevertheless, that is certainly an excuse, and I’m absolutely conscious of it. Looking for one reference additionally makes life a bit simpler. After a couple of weeks, I discovered a great-looking Rolex GMT-Grasp II 16713, full with field, papers, and the unique bill. It was even at a classic supplier in my metropolis!
My Rolex GMT-Grasp 16713 with its authentic pale bezel
I made a decision to go to Manbodh in The Hague to take a better have a look at the watch. Apart from the discolored Root Beer bezel, the watch was in nice situation. I made presumably the quickest deal ever inside a couple of minutes, and from that second on (proper earlier than Watches and Wonders 2025), it has been powerful to put on another watch. To have it as a spare, I purchased a brand new bezel for the 16713 with contemporary colours. Nevertheless, I observed that the brand new bezel additionally made the brown dial pop extra, so I made a decision to have it swapped.
As talked about, it’s been an ideal companion since I bought it. I had a two-week interruption on account of a vacation in South Africa. I knew that carrying this watch in Cape City wasn’t the most effective concept, so I wore a G-Shock GW-9200 Riseman as a substitute. However as quickly as I bought residence, it discovered its manner again onto my wrist.
I like the Root Beer GMT’s coloration mixture with its brown dial, brown and gold bezel, and 18K gold parts. The crown, bezel ring, arms, and the Jubilee bracelet’s heart hyperlinks are all yellow gold. The valuable steel completely enhances the brown colours on the dial and bezel.
On the wrist
This 40mm watch (with a 12mm thickness and a 48mm lug-to-lug) could be very comfy on the wrist. Attributable to its flat case again, I discover it extra comfy than my Sea-Dweller. Whereas the fashionable ceramic-bezel GMT-Grasp II fashions have comparable dimensions, they give the impression of being barely bigger on the wrist. This isn’t a problem on my 18.5cm wrist, however I discover the five-digit Rolex fashions extra elegant. I additionally choose a Porsche 993 over a contemporary 992, for example. I do know the 992 is a greater automobile, however the 993 is the one which makes me smile extra. And similar to with watches, that’s what issues most.
My GMT-Grasp II 16713 dates again to 1991 (these had been produced from 1989 to 2007). It got here with the unique field, booklets, and even the unique bill, which signifies it was bought at Tourneau that very same 12 months. I wasn’t actively trying to find one with its field and papers, however I received’t refuse these items after they’re obtainable.
Setting the time and date
Utilizing the GMT-Grasp II is baby’s play. You may set the hours and minutes by unscrewing the Twinlock crown, pulling it out to the second place, and turning it. To set the 12-hour hand independently, put the crown into the primary place. Now, you possibly can set the hour hand to the native time zone (wherever you might be), and the minute hand won’t transfer. The GMT hand will level to the 24-hour scale and point out your private home time. The date isn’t of the quickset selection, however altering it through the use of the unbiased hour setting isn’t an excessive amount of of a problem both.
Usually, I don’t have a choice between an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet. With this configuration, nevertheless, I just like the Jubilee bracelet with its gold heart hyperlinks a bit higher. That’s only a private factor, after all. What about micro-adjustment? Certain, there are some holes within the clasp, however you’ll have to make use of a toothpick to vary it. And that’s advantageous. The bracelet is tremendous comfy, and though it wouldn’t fly right now with trendy Rolex watches, it does what it must do.
Rolex GMT-Grasp II ref. 16718 — Picture: Chrono24
With this buy, I stilled my starvation for a GMT-Grasp, and each time I put it on my wrist, it makes me smile. The one motive to half with it could be to get a full-gold 16718 with a brown dial.
