Available to source

Used Rolex GMT-Master II: available to source

Mozeris Fine Antiques sources a used Rolex GMT-Master II on request, from the first 16760 of the 1980s to current Pepsi, Batman and left-handed models. The GMT-Master II displays a second time zone through an independently set hour hand and a 24 hour rotating bezel. Tell us the bezel, bracelet and reference you want and we will locate an authentic example, inspect it and present it to you in photographs and video before purchase.

History of the Rolex GMT-Master II

The GMT-Master story begins in 1955, when Rolex developed reference 6542 for airline pilots, working with Pan American World Airways. A fourth, 24 hour hand and a bicolour rotating bezel let crews read home time and local time at a glance. In 1983 Rolex introduced the GMT-Master II, reference 16760, with calibre 3085. Its hour hand could be set independently in one-hour jumps, so the watch could display three time zones with the bezel. The thicker case needed for the new movement earned it the nickname Fat Lady, and it was made only with the red and black Coke bezel. Around 1989 the slimmer reference 16710 replaced it, with calibre 3185 and later 3186, and offered Coke, Pepsi and all-black bezels. In 2007 the steel 116710LN brought a Cerachrom ceramic bezel, a broader case and calibre 3186. Rolex followed with the blue and black 116710BLNR in 2013, then in 2018 moved to calibre 3285 with the red and blue 126710BLRO on a Jubilee bracelet. In 2022 the 126720VTNR placed the crown and date on the left side of the case. The GMT-Master II is made in Oystersteel, Rolesor and 18KT gold, with a Triplock crown and 100 metre water resistance.

Key references

Ref. 1676040 mm, stainless steel. Calibre 3085. Made from 1983 to 1988. The first GMT-Master II, known as the Fat Lady, made only with the Coke bezel.
Ref. 1671040 mm, stainless steel. Calibre 3185, later 3186. Made from about 1989 to 2007. Slimmer case, available with Coke, Pepsi or black aluminium bezels.
Ref. 116710LN40 mm, Oystersteel. Calibre 3186. Made from 2007 to 2019. Black Cerachrom bezel, green GMT hand and Oyster bracelet.
Ref. 116710BLNR40 mm, Oystersteel. Calibre 3186. Made from 2013 to 2019. Blue and black two-colour Cerachrom bezel, called Batman by collectors.
Ref. 126710BLRO40 mm, Oystersteel. Calibre 3285. Made from 2018. Red and blue Cerachrom bezel on a Jubilee bracelet, with a 70 hour power reserve.
Ref. 126710BLNR40 mm, Oystersteel. Calibre 3285. Made from 2019. Blue and black bezel on Jubilee bracelet, with Oyster bracelet versions added later.
Ref. 126720VTNR40 mm, Oystersteel. Calibre 3285. Made from 2022. Crown and date window on the left side, green and black bezel.

How to spot a fake

  • The reference is engraved between the lugs at 12 o'clock and, on older pieces, the serial at 6 o'clock. On later watches the serial sits on the rehaut at 6 o'clock within a repeating ROLEX inscription.
  • Test the movement function: on a genuine GMT-Master II the hour hand jumps in one-hour steps independently of the minute hand, without stopping the seconds. A GMT hand that only moves with the hour hand points to the wrong movement.
  • The 24 hour bezel must turn in both directions with firm, even clicks (24 on Cerachrom models), and the numerals should align exactly with the 24 hour hand.
  • Cerachrom bezels have numerals coated in platinum or gold that sit crisp and level within the ceramic. Painted or uneven numerals are a warning sign.
  • The Cyclops magnifies the date about two and a half times. A small laser-etched coronet sits in the crystal at 6 o'clock on modern pieces.
  • Open the case: 3085 in a 16760, 3185 or 3186 in a 16710, 3186 in a 116710, 3285 in a 126710.
  • The Triplock crown shows three dots beneath the coronet; clasps carry a code and bracelet reference that should suit the period of the case.
  • Papers or warranty card should match the case serial number.

How we check a sourced piece

Every watch we source is opened and its movement inspected by a watchmaker, who confirms the calibre matches the reference and checks the case serial against the period of production. We record timing on a timegrapher, review any service history and paperwork, and send you detailed photographs and video before you commit to buy. Mozeris Fine Antiques is an independent dealer and is not affiliated with Rolex.

Questions

What is the difference between the GMT-Master and GMT-Master II?

On the original GMT-Master the 24 hour hand is fixed to the hour hand. The GMT-Master II, from 1983, lets you jump the local hour hand independently, so you change time zones without stopping the watch.

What should come with a used GMT-Master II?

Ideally the box, the papers or warranty card with matching serial, any service receipts and spare links. For aluminium bezel references, an original insert in good condition matters more than an outer box.

Is a 16710 a good daily watch?

Yes. Calibre 3185 and 3186 are robust, widely serviced movements, and the case is water resistant to 100 metres when properly sealed. The aluminium insert will show wear, which many owners accept as part of its character.

What affects the value of a used GMT-Master II?

Reference, bezel colour and condition, bracelet type, case condition, originality of parts and the presence of box and papers. Unpolished cases and documented service history are generally preferred.