Rolex GMT Master II 16710 coke T

The Rolex GMT-Master reference 16710 occupies a unique position in the history of the collection. Produced from 1989 until 2007, it was the last GMT-Master to combine the classic five-digit case, drilled-lug aesthetics of the early years and lightweight proportions with the practicality of the independently adjustable local hour hand. For many collectors, it represents the perfect balance between vintage charm and modern functionality.

Unlike its successor, the ceramic-bezel GMT-Master II, the 16710 retained an anodized aluminium bezel insert—an element that has become one of the reference's greatest attractions. No two vintage inserts age in exactly the same way, and decades of exposure to sunlight and daily wear can produce extraordinary colour transformations impossible to replicate.

This U-series example from 1998 features the desirable SWISS <25 dial with tritium lume, placing it among the final years before Rolex transitioned to Super-LumiNova. The warm ageing potential of the tritium markers, combined with the historic dial signature, makes these late tritium examples particularly appreciated by collectors.

What truly sets this watch apart, however, is its exceptional Coke bezel. Time and ultraviolet exposure have transformed the original red half into an astonishing pinkish-fuchsia tone that comes alive under natural light. Rather than a simple faded insert, this bezel displays an almost surreal spectrum of colours, shifting continuously depending on the angle and lighting conditions. Indoors it retains hints of its original Coke identity, while in daylight it reveals vibrant fuchsia hues that give the watch an unmistakable personality.

Collectors often spend years searching for naturally aged inserts with this level of character. Because every fade is entirely unique, this bezel has become a fingerprint of the watch itself—a feature that cannot be manufactured, reproduced or artificially duplicated with the same authenticity. It is precisely these organic evolutions that make aluminium-bezel GMT-Masters so fascinating, transforming each example into a truly one-of-a-kind collector's piece.