Rolex GMT-Master II watch with a ceramic bezel. Model 116710. The watch shown here is a V Series from circa 2010 (how we know this).

Self-winding automatic movement powered by an in-house Rolex caliber 3185. It is a Certified Chronometer (COSC) with 31 Jewels and the newer Parachrom Bleu hairspring.

The solid Oyster case is constructed out of easy to polish 904L stainless steel and measures 40mm in diameter by 12mm tall.

A deep black dial is the perfect background for the new green GMT hand. Date at 3:00. The bi-directional ceramic bezel gives you the ability to keep time in a third timezone, it’s also scratch and fade resistant.

The sapphire crystal features the iconic cyclops magnifying lens over the date. Not everyone is a fan of it, and some of our customers have even claimed to take a torch to theirs to remove it (not advised, do it at your own risk)!

Although the updated GMT-Master II has a  screw-down Triplock crown, it only carries a water resistance rating of up to 100m, compared to the Submariner equipped with the same technology.

Another welcome upgrade to the ceramic bezel GMTs was the band. The solid 904L stainless steel “Steelinox” Oyster bracelet comes stock with the new style flip-lock clasp. The clasp on this piece is stamped PJ9.

The caseback is the same no-frills tamper-proof screw back featuring a vertical brushed finish on the center with a polished outer rim. As with most Rolex watches, there is no text on the back of a genuine GMT-Master IIC.

If you’re wondering whether to get the original aluminum bezel GMT-Master II or the newer style ceramic bezel model, the answer is: They are two different watches. You should consider getting them both at some point. The look different, feel different, and wear different on the wrist. We compared the differences between GMT-Master II models here.

Update 2016: the paragraph below shows how much has changed since this review was originally posted in 2010!

The watch shown here is certified pre-owned in excellent condition. Originally purchased January 2010 it includes all boxes/papers. Retails for $7,000 but if you do a quick Google search for the Rolex 116710 GMT-Master IIc, you will find that everyone else is selling them for $5,900 – and over $7,000 (for Z and M series)… ours is reasonably priced at $5600 for an excellent V series!

Rolex retail price increases FTW!