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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Self-winding wristwatch with date and dual time zone

Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 16710

Partially verified

This Rolex GMT-Master II, reference 16710, is a self-winding stainless steel wristwatch produced in 2003. It features a dual time zone display with a bidirectional revolving red and blue 24-hour bezel and a dedicated 24-hour hand. The 40 mm stainless steel case is polished and brushed, incorporating a sapphire crystal with a cyclops lens, a protected winding crown, and a screwed-down case back. The black dial contains luminous white gold indexes and skeleton hands, with a date aperture at the 3 o'clock position. Power is provided by the rhodium-plated caliber 3185, a self-winding movement featuring 31 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a monometallic balance adjusted to five positions. The piece is fitted with a stainless steel Oysterlock bracelet, contributing to an approximate overall length of 195 mm.

Rolex GMT-Master II reference 16710 in stainless steel, featuring a black dial and blue/red bezel.
Rolex GMT-Master II reference 16710 in stainless steel, featuring a black dial and blue/red bezel. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Self-winding wristwatch with date and dual time zone
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
16710
Catalogue / lot identifier
97
Source-reported date
2003
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
F093590

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Construction

The watch features a three-body stainless steel case measuring 40 mm in diameter and 12 mm in thickness. The exterior is finished with a combination of polished and brushed surfaces. It includes a bidirectional revolving bezel colored in red and blue, specifically graduated for 24-hour second time zone tracking. The case utilizes a screwed-down back and a protected winding crown to ensure water resistance. A sapphire crystal is fitted with a cyclops lens over the date aperture.

The black dial is configured with luminous white gold indices and matching skeletonized hands. Outer minute and second divisions are marked along the periphery of the dial. The overall aesthetic is supported by the integrated stainless steel Oysterlock bracelet, which maintains the polished and brushed finish consistent with the case. The total approximate length of the bracelet is 195 mm, supplemented by one extra link included with the lot.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back and protected winding crown, graduated bi-directional revolving red and blue bezel for the second time zone in 24 hours, sapphire crystal with cyclops lens.”
  • “Black with luminous white gold indexes, outer minutes/seconds divisions, aperture for the date. Luminous white gold skeleton hands.”

Movement and Mechanical Features

The timepiece is powered by the Rolex caliber 3185 movement. This rhodium-plated, self-winding mechanical caliber is built with 31 jewels and a straight-line lever escapement. The oscillator consists of a monometallic balance that is adjusted to five positions and to temperature variations. The movement also incorporates a shock absorber system and a self-compensating, free-sprung Breguet balance spring.

The caliber includes specific features for precise timekeeping and utility, such as a hack mechanism and Microstella regulating screws for balance timing. The watch provides a dual time zone functionality through the independently adjustable 12-hour hand, which allows for the tracking of local and secondary time zones in conjunction with the 24-hour bezel and central hand.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. 3185, rhodium-plated, 31 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures and 5 positions, shock absorber, self-compensating free-sprung Breguet balance spring, Microstella regulating screws, hack mechanism.”
  • “independently adjustable 12-hour hand and a stainless steel Rolex Oysterlock bracelet.”

Condition and Documentation

The auction description provides a grading assessment for the watch, assigning a general grade of AA. Specifically, the case is described as good with minor surface scratches, while the dial is listed as being in as-new condition.

The watch is sold as a complete set including a fitted box and chronometer certification. All primary components, specifically the dial, case, and movement, are reported as signed by the manufacturer.

Evidence for this section
  • “Grading System Grade: AA Very good Case: 3-8 Good Slightly scratched Movement: 2* Very good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense Dial: 1-01 As new”
  • “Accompanied by a fitted box, Chronometer certificate, guarantee (now void) and one extra link.”
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production date within the 2003 calendar year?
  • Is the caliber 3185 original to this specific case serial number range?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 16710
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRolex“Rolex, "Oyster Perpetual Date, GMT-Master II, Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified,”
Reference16710“Ref. 16710”
Case SerialF093590“case No. F093590”
Year of Manufacture2003“Made in 2003.”
MovementCaliber 3185“Cal. 3185, rhodium-plated, 31 jewels”
Case dimensions40 mm“DIAM. 40 mm.”
Case constructionThree-body, polished and brushed“Three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back and protected winding crown”
Balance mechanismMicrostella regulating screws“Microstella regulating screws, hack mechanism.”

Visible details

  • Red and blue bidirectional 24-hour bezel
  • Black dial with luminous white gold index hour markers
  • Date aperture positioned at 3 o'clock with cyclops lens
  • Stainless steel Oysterlock bracelet

Research qualifications

  • Condition report suggests overhaul recommended at buyer's expense
  • Guarantee documentation is noted as void

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.