Quick Overview
The Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 (1989–2007) and 116710LN (2007–2019) represent the pivotal transition from aluminum to ceramic in the GMT-Master II lineage. The 16710 is the beloved “five-digit” GMT with its iconic Pepsi, Coke, and all-black aluminum bezel options — one of the most collected modern Rolex sport references with an 18-year production run. The 116710LN ushered in the Cerachrom ceramic era for the steel GMT, with a virtually scratch-proof black bezel, Chromalight lume, 904L Oystersteel throughout, and a refined Oyster bracelet with Easylink comfort extension.
Full Specification Comparison
Below is a complete side-by-side specification table for the Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 and 116710LN, compiled from our watch reference database. Every data point is sourced from factory specifications, trusted collector references, and verified production records.
| Specification | Ref. 16710 | Ref. 116710LN |
|---|---|---|
| Production Years | 1989–2007 | 2007–2019 |
| Introduced | Baselworld 1989 | Baselworld 2007 |
| Case Diameter | 40mm | 40mm(same) |
| Case Thickness | ~12mm | ~12.1mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | ~47.5mm | ~48.6mm |
| Lug Width | 20mm | 20mm(same) |
| Case Material | 316L → 904L (~2003) | 904L Oystersteel |
| Water Resistance | 100m | 100m(same) |
| Movement | Cal. 3185 → Cal. 3186 (~2006) | Cal. 3186 |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph (4 Hz) | 28,800 vph (4 Hz)(same) |
| Power Reserve | 48 hours | 48 hours(same) |
| Jewels | 31 | 31(same) |
| Hacking Seconds | Yes | Yes(same) |
| Hand-Winding | No | No(same) |
| Chronometer | COSC | COSC Superlative Chronometer |
| Hairspring | Nivarox → Parachrom Bleu (~2006) | Parachrom Bleu |
| Escapement | Swiss lever | Swiss lever(same) |
| Shock Protection | Kif → Paraflex (~2006) | Paraflex |
| Crown Guards | Rounded | Rounded(same) |
| Crystal | Sapphire + Cyclops | Sapphire + Cyclops(same) |
| AR Coating | Inner side | Inner side(same) |
| Bezel Insert | Aluminum | Cerachrom ceramic |
| Bezel Colors | Pepsi, Coke, All-black | Black only (LN) |
| Bezel Rotation | Bidirectional 24h | Bidirectional 24h(same) |
| Crown | Twinlock screw-down | Twinlock screw-down(same) |
| Rehaut | Plain → Engraved (~2005) | Engraved ROLEX |
| Lug Drilling | Drilled → Non-drilled (~2003) | Non-drilled |
| Dial Color | Black | Black(same) |
| Lume Material | Tritium → SLN (~1998) | Chromalight (blue) |
| GMT Hand | Green arrow | Green arrow(same) |
| Bracelet | Oyster (ref. 78790A) | Oyster(same) |
| End Links | Stamped → Solid (~2000) | Solid |
| Clasp | Oysterlock + Fliplock | Oysterlock + Easylink 5mm |
| Jubilee Option | No | No(same) |
| Predecessor | Ref. 16760 | Ref. 16710 |
| Successor | Ref. 116710LN | Ref. 126710BLNR |
Data sourced from the Watch Reference Map catalogue. The 16710 underwent many specification changes during its 18-year run; dates shown are approximate transition points.
Movement: Cal. 3185/3186 vs Cal. 3186
Both references share the same fundamental GMT architecture: an independently adjustable local hour hand that jumps in one-hour increments, allowing the wearer to change time zones without disturbing the 24-hour GMT hand or the minutes. The 16710 started with Cal. 3185 and upgraded to Cal. 3186 near the end of its run. The 116710LN used Cal. 3186 throughout.
Cal. 3185 → 3186
Used in Ref. 16710 (1989–2007)
- 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency
- 48-hour power reserve (~2 days)
- 31 jewels
- Hacking seconds
- No hand-winding
- COSC chronometer certified
- Nivarox hairspring (3185) → Parachrom Bleu (3186, ~2006)
- Kif shock (3185) → Paraflex (3186, ~2006)
- Swiss lever escapement
Calibre 3186
Used in Ref. 116710LN (2007–2019)
- 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency
- 48-hour power reserve (~2 days)
- 31 jewels
- Hacking seconds
- No hand-winding
- COSC Superlative Chronometer certified
- Parachrom Bleu hairspring (paramagnetic)
- Paraflex shock absorbers
- Swiss lever escapement
Case & Steel Alloy
Both references share the same 40mm Oyster case with Twinlock screw-down crown and 100m water resistance. The primary case differences are in the steel alloy, lug drilling, and rehaut finishing.
| Detail | 16710 | 116710LN | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 40mm | 40mm (same) | No change |
| Thickness | ~12mm | ~12.1mm | Marginally thicker |
| Lug-to-Lug | ~47.5mm | ~48.6mm | +1.1mm longer |
| Steel Alloy | 316L → 904L (~2003) | 904L throughout | Upgraded |
| Lug Drilling | Drilled → Non-drilled (~2003) | Non-drilled | Standardized |
| Rehaut | Plain → Engraved (~2005) | Engraved ROLEX repeating | Anti-counterfeit |
| Crown Guards | Rounded | Rounded (same) | No change |
| Water Resistance | 100m | 100m (same) | No change |
Bezel: Aluminum vs Cerachrom Ceramic
This is the most significant difference between the two references and the defining characteristic of the transition. The 16710's aluminum bezel is a defining part of its vintage charm; the 116710LN's Cerachrom ceramic is a technical leap forward.
Aluminum Insert
(blue/red)
- • Three color options: Pepsi (blue/red), Coke (black/red), All-black
- • Printed Arabic numerals at even hours
- • Aluminum scratches over time (develops “character”)
- • Colors fade with UV exposure — desirable patina
- • Bidirectional 24-hour rotation
Cerachrom Ceramic
(Lunette Noire)
- • Black only — no Pepsi, no Coke
- • Platinum PVD-coated numerals
- • Virtually scratch-proof (~1400 Vickers hardness)
- • 100% UV-resistant — colors never fade
- • Bidirectional 24-hour rotation
Dial, Lume & Hands
Both references feature a black lacquer dial with applied baton hour markers, a date window at 3 o'clock with Cyclops magnification, and the signature green arrow GMT hand. However, the luminous material technology evolved dramatically across these two references.
| Detail | 16710 | 116710LN |
|---|---|---|
| Dial Color | Black (gloss) | Black (lacquer)(same) |
| Index Material | White gold surrounds | 18K white gold + Chromalight |
| Lume (early) | Tritium (green, ~1989–1998) | Super-LumiNova (green, ~2007–2008) |
| Lume (standard) | Super-LumiNova (green, ~1998–2007) | Chromalight (blue, ~2008–2019) |
| Lume Glow Color | Green | Blue |
| GMT-MASTER II Text | White | Green |
| 6 o'clock Marking | T SWISS MADE T → SWISS MADE | SWISS MADE → SWISS ♛ MADE |
| GMT Hand | Green arrow | Green arrow(same) |
| Hour Hand | Mercedes | Mercedes(same) |
| Minute Hand | Baton | Baton(same) |
Bracelet & Clasp
Both references use the Oyster bracelet (no Jubilee option in either generation), but the bracelet quality evolved significantly during the 16710's run and was further refined for the 116710LN.
| Detail | 16710 | 116710LN |
|---|---|---|
| Bracelet Model | Oyster (ref. 78790A) | Oyster(same) |
| Material | 316L → 904L | 904L Oystersteel |
| End Links | Stamped (~1989–2000) → Solid (~2000–2007) | Solid throughout |
| Clasp | Oysterlock fold + Fliplock extension | Oysterlock fold + Easylink 5mm |
| Extension System | Fliplock diver's extension | Easylink 5mm comfort |
| Lug Width | 20mm | 20mm(same) |
| Taper | 20mm → 16mm | 20mm → ~16mm(same) |
| Centre Link Finish | Polished | Polished(same) |
| Outer Link Finish | Brushed | Brushed(same) |
Production Timeline
The steel GMT-Master II has evolved through four major generations. Here is where the 16710 and 116710LN sit in the lineage:
The 16710's 18-year run saw more specification changes than almost any other modern Rolex reference. Here's how the key specs evolved:
| Approx. Year | Change |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 16710 launched with Cal. 3185, 316L steel, tritium lume, stamped end links, drilled lugs |
| ~1998 | Tritium → LumiNova/Super-LumiNova; dial marking changes from 'T SWISS MADE T' to 'SWISS MADE' |
| ~2000 | Stamped end links → solid end links (SEL) |
| ~2003 | 316L → 904L Oystersteel; drilled → non-drilled lugs |
| ~2005 | Engraved rehaut introduced ('ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX...'); 'stick dial' variant appears |
| ~2006 | Cal. 3185 → Cal. 3186 (Parachrom Bleu hairspring, Paraflex shock absorbers) |
| 2007 | 16710 discontinued; 116710LN introduced with Cerachrom ceramic bezel |
Explore the complete GMT-Master II production history — every reference from the 1954 Ref. 6542 to the current lineup — on our interactive timeline explorer.
How to Tell a 16710 from a 116710LN
Despite sharing the same 40mm diameter and GMT hand configuration, these two references are easier to distinguish than many Rolex generation transitions. Here is a ranked checklist:
Check the bezel material
The 16710 has an aluminum bezel insert with painted numerals — it may show scratches, fading, or patina. The 116710LN has a Cerachrom ceramic bezel with platinum PVD-coated numerals — it will look virtually new regardless of age. Touch it: aluminum feels metallic and warm; ceramic is glass-smooth and cool.
Look at the bezel color
If the bezel is Pepsi (blue/red) or Coke (black/red), it's a 16710 — the 116710LN was only available in monochrome black. If it's all-black, you need to check other details.
Check the lume color in the dark
The 116710LN glows blue (Chromalight). The 16710 glows green (Super-LumiNova) or barely glows at all if it's tritium-era (pre-1998). Blue glow = 116710LN. Green glow = 16710 (or very early 116710LN).
Look for the green 'GMT-MASTER II' text
On the 116710LN, the 'GMT-MASTER II' text is printed in green. On the 16710, it's white. This is visible with the naked eye in good lighting.
Check the rehaut (inner bezel ring)
The 116710LN has 'ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX...' engraved around the entire rehaut with the serial number at 6 o'clock. Early 16710s have a plain rehaut; late 16710s (~2005+) also have the engraving.
Check for drilled lugs
If the watch has small holes through the lugs (visible between bracelet and case), it's a 16710 from pre-~2003. The 116710LN never had drilled lugs. Non-drilled lugs appear on both late 16710s and all 116710LNs.
Which One Should You Buy?
This is one of the most common questions in the Rolex collecting world. Both are excellent GMT watches that share the same core architecture. Your decision comes down to aesthetics, collectibility, and what you value in a daily wearer.
Choose the 16710 if…
- You want the Pepsi or Coke bezel — the 116710LN only comes in black
- You appreciate aluminum bezel patina — faded blues and reds that develop over decades of wear
- You value collector heritage — the 16710 is the last five-digit steel GMT and the last aluminum-bezel GMT-Master II
- You want the “stick dial” ultimate spec— Cal. 3186, 904L, engraved rehaut, solid end links
Choose the 116710LN if…
- You want a scratch-proof ceramic bezel that will look pristine for decades
- You prefer the blue Chromalight lume with ~8-hour glow duration vs the 16710's green glow
- You want guaranteed 904L Oystersteel and modern bracelet refinements (Easylink, solid end links)
- You prefer the stealth monochrome black look — the 116710LN is one of the most versatile modern Rolex sport watches
Explore on Watch Reference Map
This guide covers the key differences between these two references, but there's much more to explore. Watch Reference Map lets you explore the complete GMT-Master II lineage — from the 1954 Ref. 6542 to the current 126710BLRO — on an interactive Gantt-style timeline. For every reference you can:
- See exact production periods visualized on an interactive timeline
- Compare specs across steel, Rolesor, and precious metal GMT-Master II variants
- Explore variant details: Pepsi, Batman, Sprite, Root Beer, and every bezel configuration
- Track the evolution from aluminum to Cerachrom, Cal. 3085 to 3285
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Rolex 16710 and 116710LN?
The Rolex 116710LN replaced the 16710 in 2007, marking the GMT-Master II's transition to a ceramic bezel. The 16710 (1989–2007) features an aluminum bezel insert available in Pepsi (blue/red), Coke (black/red), or all-black, powered by Cal. 3185 (later 3186). The 116710LN (2007–2019) introduced a Cerachrom ceramic bezel in black only, 904L Oystersteel, Chromalight lume, engraved rehaut, solid end links, and Easylink comfort extension. Both share the same 40mm case diameter and Cal. 3186 movement (on late 16710 production), but differ significantly in bezel material, steel alloy, lume technology, and bracelet refinement.
Does the Rolex 16710 come with a Pepsi bezel?
Yes — the Pepsi (blue/red) aluminum bezel is one of the most iconic configurations of the 16710 and a major reason for its collectibility. The 16710 was the last steel GMT-Master II to offer the Pepsi bezel in aluminum. When Rolex introduced the ceramic 116710LN in 2007, only an all-black bezel was available. The Pepsi colorway did not return to steel until the 126710BLRO in 2018 — an 11-year absence that made the 16710 Pepsi extremely desirable on the secondary market.
What does LN mean in Rolex 116710LN?
LN stands for 'Lunette Noire,' French for 'black bezel.' Rolex uses this suffix to denote the black Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert. The 116710LN was the first stainless steel GMT-Master II with a ceramic bezel when it debuted at Baselworld 2007.
Is the Rolex 16710 made of 904L steel?
Not all of them. The 16710 transitioned from 316L to 904L stainless steel around 2003. Early production (1989–~2003) used 316L steel, which was the industry standard. Late production (~2003–2007) used 904L Oystersteel, which is more corrosion-resistant and has a brighter polish. The 116710LN used 904L throughout its entire production run. Both alloys are extremely durable for daily wear.
What is the 'stick dial' on the Rolex 16710?
The 'stick dial' is a late-production 16710 variant (approximately 2005–2007) with noticeably thinner, more elongated hour markers compared to standard production. Combined with Cal. 3186 (Parachrom hairspring), 904L steel, engraved rehaut, non-drilled lugs, and solid end links, the stick dial represents the 'ultimate spec' 16710 and commands the highest premiums on the secondary market — sometimes rivaling the price of a 116710LN.
When was the Rolex 16710 discontinued?
The Rolex 16710 was discontinued in 2007 when Rolex introduced the 116710LN at Baselworld. The 16710 had an 18-year production run (1989–2007), making it one of the longest-running modern Rolex sport references. During that time, it went through numerous specification changes including steel alloy, lug drilling, end links, lume material, movement caliber, and rehaut engraving.
Is the Rolex 16710 a good investment?
The 16710 has appreciated significantly since its discontinuation, particularly Pepsi-bezel examples and late-production 'stick dial' variants with Cal. 3186. Prices vary widely based on bezel color, production year, and specification level. The Pepsi bezel commands the highest premiums due to the 11-year gap before Pepsi returned to steel ceramic. However, watch values fluctuate with market conditions — it should be viewed primarily as a watch to enjoy wearing.
Can I swap bezels between the 16710 and 116710LN?
No. The 16710 uses an aluminum bezel insert on a steel bezel ring, while the 116710LN uses a Cerachrom ceramic insert on a completely different bezel system. The bezel assemblies are not interchangeable between the two references. However, you can swap aluminum inserts between 16710 bezels (e.g., changing from Coke to Pepsi) since they share the same mounting system.
Does the Rolex 116710LN have a Pepsi or Coke bezel option?
No. The 116710LN was only available with a monochrome black Cerachrom ceramic bezel — hence the 'LN' (Lunette Noire) suffix. Rolex did not produce a two-tone ceramic bezel until the 116710BLNR 'Batman' (blue/black) in 2013. The Pepsi (blue/red) did not appear in ceramic until the 126710BLRO in 2018. If you want a Pepsi on a ceramic GMT, you need the 126710BLRO or the white gold 126719BLRO.
What is the difference between drilled and non-drilled lugs on the 16710?
Early 16710 production (1989–~2003) had drilled lugs — small holes through the lugs that allow inserting a spring bar tool from the outside for easy bracelet/strap removal. Late production (~2003–2007) switched to non-drilled (solid) lugs, which look cleaner but require a spring bar tool from the inside. The transition roughly coincided with the switch to 904L steel. Both types are equally functional; it's primarily an aesthetic preference, though drilled lugs make strap changes slightly easier.