The Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 16710 is one of the last true neo-vintage Rolex sports watches, perfectly balancing everyday practicality with the charm collectors increasingly search for today. Produced during a transitional era for the brand, the reference retained the elegant proportions of the classic GMT case while introducing the upgraded calibre 3185 and independently adjustable local hour hand, making it one of the most functional travel watches ever produced.
This T-serial example from 1996 belongs to the highly appreciated tritium period, featuring the original “Swiss-T<25” dial and matching tritium hands, elements that give the watch a warmth and personality impossible to recreate on later luminova pieces. Combined with the iconic red and black “Coke” bezel, the result is one of the most charismatic configurations ever offered within the GMT family.
Finding a 16710 today is not difficult. Finding one preserved like this is another story entirely.
Most examples on the market have been heavily polished, over-restored or lost their original accessories over the decades. This watch stands out not only for its exceptional condition, genuinely close to new old stock, but also for its remarkable completeness: full set, original purchase receipt and even the original sales tag still accompanying the watch. Details like these transform a collectible Rolex into a true time capsule from the mid-1990s.