@KeepTheTime Actually, no, I didn't keep the letter. At the time the internet wasn't in full-swing so it was all by snail mail. Honestly, I would have to spend some time with the newer ceramic bezel model to know what should be improved with it. At the time, I had both a Breitling and an Omega so most of the things that I felt needed to improve about the Rolex were direct reflections of what I liked about the others. But in having a fine eye for improving products, I bet I could find something!
You forgot one of the coolest enhancements Rolex has made to their watches...the AR coated Cyclops!! It makes it so much easier to read. A very well thought out and implemented feature.
Just bought a 2001 GMT Master 2 with Pepsi bezel. I have to say it is now my favourite watch! Practical and it looks good whatever you wear. Prefer it to the new versions, not keen on the ceramic bezel font and the placement of the serial number.
This video was awesome. It really helped me understand the differences. The 16710 is the older classic look but the 116710 has some features that seem to be real improvements. The difference in the bar on the clasp, the 16710 has a stamped bar where the 116710 is machined making it more expensive to make.
It's so nice to hear that this video was helpful in understanding the differences between the GMT Master II models! Thank you for the comment, please subscribe ;)
Thanks for making it easy for me to know the differences. On my second GMT now, which is a 1999 I bought new in 2000--but it is 18KT and SS. My earlier one (GMT--in SS) from perhaps ten years earlier had the plastic crystal and a different movement. The GMT II I have now works so well and just isn't as bulky as the newest ones. One great thing about Rolexes (bought my first in 1980) is that they truly hold their value. I have routinely sold my older Rolexes for more than I bought them! As a lefty, I need a watch that is tough and only the Rolex can withstand the abuse a lefty can do to a self winding watch worn by a lefty on the left wrist!
That's not a silly question. The answer is that you can't really hear anything when you put it up to your ear. Unless you have excellent hearing and are in an extremely quiet room, then you might be able to pick something up, but unlikely.
Believe it or not, about 15 years ago I wrote Rolex and gave them a list of things that I felt the needed to improve about the Sea Dweller (as I had just bought a new one). Many of the things that I suggested are incorporated in the new design. I even suggested a multi-stone (ruby, sapphire, and diamond) bezel option for the GMT. They explained that this couldn't be done. Guess what, they offer it now!
Same as with the 16610 and 116610. The older model with its slim case and the smaller lugs is just nicer and more aesthetic. If you have wrists like Hulk or a butcher, the newer model might look fine too. What I hate most is the ugly font of the new model. I think the most beautiful model is the old GMT with all black bezel. And finally, which for me as a collector is a major thing: the older models prices go up and up and up while the prices of the 6 digit series sports Rolex are more or less stable. Cool review, thx for sharing.
Great review. I now understand my 116710 better. New clasp works wonder for me when I have to move between outdoor and air conditioned buildings. The little adjustments adds to the comfort.
+Wai-Chee Lee So glad this video was useful to you. It's a great watch and the updated clasp is an outstanding design, especially between seasons. We'd be very grateful if you were to subscribe to our channel. More 116710 vids to come!
great review. thanks a lot But I would like to make a pair of precisions : - the 16710 bezel clicks 120 times for a complete rotation not 60. - the last series of 16710 (some Z and all the M) have the same caliber (3186) as the 116710. This a great watch, one of the most accurate I have
Thanks! Great video. I'm leaning to the old one: smaller numbers on the bezel, smaller indices, smaller hands, the way the bezel lays flatter. But the new bracelet I think is better. Heading to the store today to decide!
Very good points about the bezel and bracelet. Please come back and let us know what you ended up choosing. Also feel free to check our site to order a GMT from KeepTheTime. Thank you for the comment! =)
I prefer the classic 16710 model, due to it's weight and size (as my wrists are quite slim) so it feels and looks better. But what disappoints me on the latest 116710, is the fact they only make the bezel click 24 times on full-rotation. Which means you cannot use it as a more precise minute timer any more. That, and also no more two-tone colour on the bezel which loses a little practicality and no more instantly recognisable classic GMT status! But I just love my 16710 with latest 3186 calibre!
Mark Steele Thank you so much for taking the time to leave that nice comment. It's really nice to hear that you enjoyed the video and found it to be useful in making your decision. Please check our site when you're in the market for a new watch ;-)
@pcwfa No it cannot be replaced by the older style bezel. The new one is a completely different system that rotates the bezel using a bearing whereas the old style bezel had a spring that clicks from teeth to teeth. This also explains why the new bezel rotates per hour (the former model rotated per minute).
Thanks for the feedback, we can definitely adjust those. We're probably going to start putting the pop-ups directly on the videos in the future, just in case UA-cam suddenly decides to get rid of the annotations feature. The cool thing about them is that you can click a button to remove them from the video, but it's too risky to depend on them. Thanks for WATCHing! Please subscribe ;-)
Hi. What do you mean by "coke"? How do these compare to Breitling Avengers in accuracy? Thinking of getting either one of these or Cartier Tank Francaise next but I'm undecided coz they both look great to me. Your input would be appreciated. Thanks
Hi Rod, it just comes down to price and preference. The high polish links on the newer style tend to show more wear; the older style appears to be slightly smaller on the wrist due to case design/crown size; the newer style bezel isn't as versatile; etc, etc. Which one do you like more at first glance? If you really can't make up your mind, just plan on getting both eventually ;-)
I could only wear it for about a month before I couldn't take it anymore. The watch is SO UNCOMFORTABLE as compared to the GMT 2 that I HAD TO SELL IT! Now, this new blue and black bezel has been released I am actually considering trying it again. I'm not sure if the band may have too loose which allowed the crown to dig into my hand or what but the weight and size are considerable.
ive just bought a rolex gmt ii I was between the submariner and gmt they had gmt in stock so that made my mind up for me and a 10 year old one is no cheaper a rolex is a good investment if you can afford one
Hello, I hope I can buy a new 116710 for myself next year; and I agree with those who like the center link brushed bracelet. Can I have the center link brushed at the Authorized Dealer at the time of purchase? Im asking because I have heard Rolex doesn't allow that. Congrats on such a good video!!
@WowzaGuy Thank you for the comment. Good point about the hairspring. Maybe they just needed to find something to improve. And hopefully they didn't just fix something that wasn't broken =P
There are good feathers on both overall I do like the newer feathers like the easy link my wrist expands a lot and the part of 10 times drop great video
I have the older model and prefer it. It has a more classic look about it. Although i do like the look of the blue version of the new one. The lume is better on the newer one but thats about it for me. Nice video
My first GMT was a GMT 1 that I bought from a friend. It had the "plastic" crystal which was horrible to say the least. This was back in 1990. I upgrade 2 years later to the GMT 2 "Coke" color scheme and wore it until 2010 when the new "big watch fad" finally wore me down. I went ahead and bought the new GMT Ceramic for $7500 dollars. It was owned by a collector who didn't wear it much and you could tell it basically sat in his safe.
Hi there, Rolex just launched the closest thing we're going to get to a coke or pepsi style ceramic bezel for a while. It is blue and black (any drinks with those colors that we can name it after?). Please check our blog for live shots from Baselworld. Video coming soon.
Thank you for making this comparison video. In 2005 I was gifted a new 16710 red black and I wish to now buy the black and / or the black and blue Master II to give the old girl a rest. I like the features of the new ones however I do prefer the 120 clicks on the original bezel. How much heavier is the new model GMT Master II's in all stainless ?
Ceramic bezel - big negative, if it breaks/cracks big bucks to replace not ideal for a tool watch (just my opinion) Not fussed on the increased size either, it was perfect as it was. Love the improved strap though.
just a question regarding the font bezels. is it only ceramic bezels that have the newer style font? has the rolex coke ever had the newer style font on it?
honestly, i HATE the font of the numbers on the pepsi bezel. i much prefer the boxy, wider font on the newer bezel - only thing that would sway me towards the newer model (as you showed, newer model has brighter lume too). totally just an aesthetic preference. im new to automatic watches, i never knew you could adjust the time with the hour hand on the GMT, that is awesome. great, thorough review man! right now i'm settling for a Orient Ray Raven (kind of a yachtmaster knock-off, for 2.5% of the price lol)
also that engraving on the rehaut is so nice. you have covered every single difference. im gonna save up for the bamford blue black GMT. thanks for the review
I am so torn between these two watches. I've owned the 116710 for a year now and love the watch but it's a lot heavier than I anticipated and I find myself taking it off at various points of the day because it gets uncomfortable. How much lighter is the 16710? Someone mentioned the 116710 isn't a good 'all day watch' like the 16710 was. Can anyone else confirm this?
As mentioned by others, the bigger lugs not the new case don't appeal to me. It makes the new watch look too boxy. I think they should have stuck to their guns and stayed with the traditional style. It's a Rolex. That being said, I do like the bigger crown on the new one.
i think i prefer the older model because i have a greater appreciation for most things vintage. i happen to own two vintage rollies; speedking and gmt master...thanks
I’m still confused about the new maxi-lug design that does not fit to the bracelet. Why I ask myself?? Why? To make it look bigger then it is?? These new lugs appear raw and unfinished. Gone is the elegant shape of a Rolex casing. :(
Hi, one of the best things I most like about the 16710 is the ability to swap out the bezel inserts for different colours... I assume this is not possible with the ceramic model- am I right?
Really fantastic review, thank you. I think I have been kidding myself by saying I want the Explorer 1 or 2, the new GMT Master 2s are just incredible. Best in the line.
Love the older model. Looks better IMHO in every way.
+camaro Carl thank you for the comment and input ;-)
@KeepTheTime Actually, no, I didn't keep the letter. At the time the internet wasn't in full-swing so it was all by snail mail. Honestly, I would have to spend some time with the newer ceramic bezel model to know what should be improved with it. At the time, I had both a Breitling and an Omega so most of the things that I felt needed to improve about the Rolex were direct reflections of what I liked about the others. But in having a fine eye for improving products, I bet I could find something!
@kroniuss No you cannot. However, you can swap the bezel insert on an older GMT from black/Pepsi/Coke style.
You forgot one of the coolest enhancements Rolex has made to their watches...the AR coated Cyclops!! It makes it so much easier to read. A very well thought out and implemented feature.
Awesome video, thumbs up for taking the time with the annotations man!
Glad you enjoyed it!!!
Great Video, exactly what I was looking for! Great quality and showing all the differences!
Grateful,
Esteban
Just bought a 2001 GMT Master 2 with Pepsi bezel. I have to say it is now my favourite watch! Practical and it looks good whatever you wear. Prefer it to the new versions, not keen on the ceramic bezel font and the placement of the serial number.
+MachEight Congrats on your GMT, sounds like an awesome piece. If you upload a video of it, send us the link. Thank you for WATCHing!
This video was awesome. It really helped me understand the differences. The 16710 is the older classic look but the 116710 has some features that seem to be real improvements. The difference in the bar on the clasp, the 16710 has a stamped bar where the 116710 is machined making it more expensive to make.
It's so nice to hear that this video was helpful in understanding the differences between the GMT Master II models! Thank you for the comment, please subscribe ;)
This is a great review! I just bought the ceramic GMT II. I can't wait to get it!
You are right because for now the ceramic is only in black. They haven't released a Pepsi or Coke style ceramic insert yet.
What an informative video comparison and not a word spoken. Thank you!
So glad you liked it, thanks!
Thanks for making it easy for me to know the differences. On my second GMT now, which is a 1999 I bought new in 2000--but it is 18KT and SS. My earlier one (GMT--in SS) from perhaps ten years earlier had the plastic crystal and a different movement. The GMT II I have now works so well and just isn't as bulky as the newest ones. One great thing about Rolexes (bought my first in 1980) is that they truly hold their value. I have routinely sold my older Rolexes for more than I bought them! As a lefty, I need a watch that is tough and only the Rolex can withstand the abuse a lefty can do to a self winding watch worn by a lefty on the left wrist!
Thanks! Probably the best comparison video I have seen!
Really usefull!
That's not a silly question. The answer is that you can't really hear anything when you put it up to your ear. Unless you have excellent hearing and are in an extremely quiet room, then you might be able to pick something up, but unlikely.
I have just bought the latest blue/black bezel gmt IIc. A really great looking piece.
I've had both. Sold my "Pepsi" and bought a GMT-Master II ceramic. Both are great timepieces.
@ihaveairlockers You have an excellent watch! Thanks for the comment, we're happy you liked the video.
Believe it or not, about 15 years ago I wrote Rolex and gave them a list of things that I felt the needed to improve about the Sea Dweller (as I had just bought a new one). Many of the things that I suggested are incorporated in the new design. I even suggested a multi-stone (ruby, sapphire, and diamond) bezel option for the GMT. They explained that this couldn't be done. Guess what, they offer it now!
Same as with the 16610 and 116610. The older model with its slim case and the smaller lugs is just nicer and more aesthetic. If you have wrists like Hulk or a butcher, the newer model might look fine too. What I hate most is the ugly font of the new model. I think the most beautiful model is the old GMT with all black bezel. And finally, which for me as a collector is a major thing: the older models prices go up and up and up while the prices of the 6 digit series sports Rolex are more or less stable.
Cool review, thx for sharing.
I don't like the new ceramic Submariner, but I think the GMT Master pulls the whole maxi-bezel thing of very well... nice watches
Excellent! well produced and explained... Great job.
Love both, kinda hard to choose which one is my fav
Raw Fish Thank you so much for that! Glad you liked the video ;-)
PS - we currently have a Coke bezel GMT that has been refinished and freshly serviced. Feel free to contact us tomorrow about it.
Thank you very much, glad you liked it. =)
i like the ceramic one, how much of a price difference is there?
Great review. I now understand my 116710 better. New clasp works wonder for me when I have to move between outdoor and air conditioned buildings. The little adjustments adds to the comfort.
+Wai-Chee Lee So glad this video was useful to you. It's a great watch and the updated clasp is an outstanding design, especially between seasons. We'd be very grateful if you were to subscribe to our channel. More 116710 vids to come!
Does the bezel have the same size? I really dont like the larger numbers on the new model.can it be replaced by an older bezel?
@beforehangingcastle Thank you very much for the kind comment about our video =)
great review. thanks a lot
But I would like to make a pair of precisions :
- the 16710 bezel clicks 120 times for a complete rotation not 60.
- the last series of 16710 (some Z and all the M) have the same caliber (3186) as the 116710.
This a great watch, one of the most accurate I have
Thanks! Great video. I'm leaning to the old one: smaller numbers on the bezel, smaller indices, smaller hands, the way the bezel lays flatter. But the new bracelet I think is better. Heading to the store today to decide!
Very good points about the bezel and bracelet. Please come back and let us know what you ended up choosing. Also feel free to check our site to order a GMT from KeepTheTime. Thank you for the comment! =)
always interesting to watch your videos !!! keep up the good rolex work ;-)
@Boeing747fourhundred That's impossible to answer =/ You should get both (at least eventually).
i prefer the old one ...i have the coke one ! and submariner in ceramic ...
+Francesco Fregola That's a great combo to have. Best of all worlds!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great informative Video. Information I learned here I have not seen or read anywhere including the official Rolex site! Thank you!!!!!
Thank you very much!
i have a suggestion what about a coke or pepsi modal in ceramic whaooo the blue ceramic and red would look great!!
I prefer the classic 16710 model, due to it's weight and size (as my wrists are quite slim) so it feels and looks better. But what disappoints me on the latest 116710, is the fact they only make the bezel click 24 times on full-rotation. Which means you cannot use it as a more precise minute timer any more. That, and also no more two-tone colour on the bezel which loses a little practicality and no more instantly recognisable classic GMT status! But I just love my 16710 with latest 3186 calibre!
What is the difference in weight? Which would you rather use on a daily basis?
The ceramic bezel and the polished stainless band make the new GMT the best Rolex under 10k.
still one of my fav videos in 2014
invictageek Thank you!
Have you seen our blog? There's an example there now ;-)
Newer bezel looks more busy, but the dial and crystal somehow look better imo
Congratulations! It's an awesome watch, especially for a first Rolex.
Hi, "Coke" refers to the red and black style bezel. The red and blue is known as the "Pepsi" bezel. You can also get an all black bezel.
Great video - I have the Coke and am just about to buy the 116710 LN. This helped me make my mind up to go for it. Thanks, M
Mark Steele Thank you so much for taking the time to leave that nice comment. It's really nice to hear that you enjoyed the video and found it to be useful in making your decision. Please check our site when you're in the market for a new watch ;-)
@pcwfa No it cannot be replaced by the older style bezel. The new one is a completely different system that rotates the bezel using a bearing whereas the old style bezel had a spring that clicks from teeth to teeth. This also explains why the new bezel rotates per hour (the former model rotated per minute).
Wow, both are amazing pieces. Thanks for the video!
So? both internal movements can you swap them around? are they the exact same size?
Great video. If you could leave the dialogue boxes visible for just a few seconds longer it would be nice though.
Thanks for the feedback, we can definitely adjust those. We're probably going to start putting the pop-ups directly on the videos in the future, just in case UA-cam suddenly decides to get rid of the annotations feature. The cool thing about them is that you can click a button to remove them from the video, but it's too risky to depend on them. Thanks for WATCHing! Please subscribe ;-)
Old is gold as they say... When looking at old vs new the old rolexes seem to look much more pleasing on the eye ;)
Absolutely. Great comparison video. Exceptional quality. Thank you.
@rousp1 Thank you for the comment!
They should update the Coke GMT in SS. The new Pepsi in white gold is too expensive. :(
Would LOVE a 116710 with the Coke colored bezel!!!
@togeeman 3186 is the latest caIibre for gmt... the new exp ii got the Iatest one 3187:-)
Excellent video. Very informative
@TheRolexGuru Why not a Benny and Co or a Diamond Breitling?
Could you do a video of the 116713?
Hi. What do you mean by "coke"? How do these compare to Breitling Avengers in accuracy? Thinking of getting either one of these or Cartier Tank Francaise next but I'm undecided coz they both look great to me. Your input would be appreciated. Thanks
Hi Rod, it just comes down to price and preference. The high polish links on the newer style tend to show more wear; the older style appears to be slightly smaller on the wrist due to case design/crown size; the newer style bezel isn't as versatile; etc, etc. Which one do you like more at first glance? If you really can't make up your mind, just plan on getting both eventually ;-)
I could only wear it for about a month before I couldn't take it anymore. The watch is SO UNCOMFORTABLE as compared to the GMT 2 that I HAD TO SELL IT! Now, this new blue and black bezel has been released I am actually considering trying it again. I'm not sure if the band may have too loose which allowed the crown to dig into my hand or what but the weight and size are considerable.
ive just bought a rolex gmt ii I was between the submariner and gmt they had gmt in stock so that made my mind up for me and a 10 year old one is no cheaper a rolex is a good investment if you can afford one
Hello, I hope I can buy a new 116710 for myself next year; and I agree with those who like the center link brushed bracelet. Can I have the center link brushed at the Authorized Dealer at the time of purchase? Im asking because I have heard Rolex doesn't allow that. Congrats on such a good video!!
Nice watches
@WowzaGuy Thank you for the comment. Good point about the hairspring. Maybe they just needed to find something to improve. And hopefully they didn't just fix something that wasn't broken =P
Really cool comparison video !
I now have a 16710 Reference M36xxxx serial with the 3186 caliber. It's a stunner.
+Slipstream Awesome watch! You should upload a video of it ;-)
There are good feathers on both overall I do like the newer feathers like the easy link my wrist expands a lot and the part of 10 times drop great video
The random serial GMT's have the chromalight blue lume now. Looks awesome.
Excellent and informative video well done enjoyed it
I have the older gmt and think its better
thank you
Is the older GMT master II sporting a Folded endlink as well?
I have the older model and prefer it. It has a more classic look about it. Although i do like the look of the blue version of the new one. The lume is better on the newer one but thats about it for me. Nice video
+Sabato Notaro Thank you very much for the comment and kind words. Please subscribe to our channel when you have time ;-)
For sure the classic old one is the best from its shape and looks.. More elegant and dynamic and more simple!
My first GMT was a GMT 1 that I bought from a friend. It had the "plastic" crystal which was horrible to say the least. This was back in 1990. I upgrade 2 years later to the GMT 2 "Coke" color scheme and wore it until 2010 when the new "big watch fad" finally wore me down. I went ahead and bought the new GMT Ceramic for $7500 dollars. It was owned by a collector who didn't wear it much and you could tell it basically sat in his safe.
Very well done video! Very well. Thank you!
@lobzdik Thank you =)
@Time2online Thank you!
Agree, and let's hope you're right!
The pepsi GMTii error dial is my total grail watch, but finding one is impossible. Besides the fact that they are now 7,900.
Hi there, Rolex just launched the closest thing we're going to get to a coke or pepsi style ceramic bezel for a while. It is blue and black (any drinks with those colors that we can name it after?). Please check our blog for live shots from Baselworld. Video coming soon.
Thank you for making this comparison video.
In 2005 I was gifted a new 16710 red black and I wish to now buy the black and / or the black and blue Master II to give the old girl a rest. I like the features of the new ones however I do prefer the 120 clicks on the original bezel.
How much heavier is the new model GMT Master II's in all stainless ?
Actually you can hear the pallet stones striking the pallet wheel quite clearly. At 28000 beats per hour. That's 8 per second.
Ceramic bezel - big negative, if it breaks/cracks big bucks to replace not ideal for a tool watch (just my opinion) Not fussed on the increased size either, it was perfect as it was. Love the improved strap though.
wow the date is lit in the dark?
just a question regarding the font bezels. is it only ceramic bezels that have the newer style font? has the rolex coke ever had the newer style font on it?
The two have never shared a font. The older aluminum bezel has never had the same font as the newer ceramic bezel. Hope this helps.
The coke is a classic time piece. Elegant...
Thank you so much for the comment. You're right with every word you said. Coke all the way!
honestly, i HATE the font of the numbers on the pepsi bezel. i much prefer the boxy, wider font on the newer bezel - only thing that would sway me towards the newer model (as you showed, newer model has brighter lume too). totally just an aesthetic preference. im new to automatic watches, i never knew you could adjust the time with the hour hand on the GMT, that is awesome. great, thorough review man! right now i'm settling for a Orient Ray Raven (kind of a yachtmaster knock-off, for 2.5% of the price lol)
Thank you so much for the great comment and kind words! The Orient Ray Raven is a great looking watch, especially on a nato strap!
also that engraving on the rehaut is so nice. you have covered every single difference. im gonna save up for the bamford blue black GMT. thanks for the review
Nice video, not sure either to buy an explorer 2 or GMT2?
Tough choice. Do you like the possibility of a white dial? Do you want a rotating bezel? These are some of the things you may consider.
What kind of camera did you use for this video?
Thanks a ton for doing that!
+jw Thank you for WATCHing!
Beuteful review! I've prefered ceramic version..))
New clasp, new besel, new bracelet - that it was preferable for me.
+clinpharm Thank you very much ;-)
I am so torn between these two watches. I've owned the 116710 for a year now and love the watch but it's a lot heavier than I anticipated and I find myself taking it off at various points of the day because it gets uncomfortable. How much lighter is the 16710? Someone mentioned the 116710 isn't a good 'all day watch' like the 16710 was. Can anyone else confirm this?
As mentioned by others, the bigger lugs not the new case don't appeal to me. It makes the new watch look too boxy. I think they should have stuck to their guns and stayed with the traditional style. It's a Rolex. That being said, I do like the bigger crown on the new one.
i think i prefer the older model because i have a greater appreciation for most things vintage. i happen to own two vintage rollies; speedking and gmt master...thanks
Thank you for sharing.
I’m still confused about the new maxi-lug design that does not fit to the bracelet. Why I ask myself?? Why? To make it look bigger then it is?? These new lugs appear raw and unfinished. Gone is the elegant shape of a Rolex casing. :(
Enjoyed the video - thank you. I prefer the new version.
Thank you very much for the comment!
Hi, one of the best things I most like about the 16710 is the ability to swap out the bezel inserts for different colours... I assume this is not possible with the ceramic model- am I right?
Great comparison. Thanks!
+Tom Alfano Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for WATCHing!
Really fantastic review, thank you. I think I have been kidding myself by saying I want the Explorer 1 or 2, the new GMT Master 2s are just incredible. Best in the line.
Comes down to how good the individual's ear are ;-)
Very true, thanks!