The romance of mid-century aviation gave birth to some of horology’s most legendary tool watches, and few have transcended their utilitarian roots quite like the Rolex GMT-Master line. Originally conceived as a vital navigation instrument for transatlantic pilots, the GMT-Master has evolved into a global icon of luxury and exploration.
At the forefront of this evolution is the Rolex GMT-Master II Reference 16710. Produced from 1989 through 2007, it represents a distinct sweet spot in watchmaking history, bridging the elegant proportions of mid-century Rolex design with the everyday reliability of a modern mechanical caliber.
The Aluminum Appeal: Character in Every Fade
For today’s collector, much of the obsession with the pre-owned Ref 16710 centers on its anodized aluminum bezel insert—a component celebrated precisely because of how it interacts with time and the elements. Unlike modern Cerachrom ceramic bezels, which are impervious to fading and remain visually static, these aluminum inserts develop a unique patina through regular wear. Over the years, exposure to sunlight and daily life causes the vibrant colors to soften in entirely individualized ways, meaning no two watches ever age exactly alike.
This era of Rolex manufacturing appeals deeply to the pure joy of wearing and experiencing a timepiece. It is about the personal stories etched into the metal, offering a warmth and unique character that modern factory iterations simply cannot replicate.
The Pepsi Heritage: The Rolex GMT-Master II Ref 16710
The blue and red “Pepsi” bezel is the undeniable patriarch of the GMT-Master lineage, tracing its roots directly back to the original 1954 colorway developed for Pan American Airways. Designed specifically to help pilots intuitively distinguish between daytime and nighttime hours across different time zones, the red half signifies daylight while the blue half tracks the night.
On the Ref 16710, this heritage colorway achieves a striking balance against the glossy black dial and the classic stainless steel Oyster bracelet. For enthusiasts seeking the purest expression of Rolex’s aviation history, this configuration offers immediate wrist presence and historical gravity, wearing beautifully as a daily travel companion.
The Coke Evolution: The Rolex GMT-Master II Ref 16710
While the Pepsi looks to the past, the black and red “Coke” bezel represents a pivotal step forward in the GMT-Master’s technical evolution. Introduced in the 1980s alongside the transitional reference 16760 (affectionately known as the “Fat Lady”), the Coke colorway ushered in the era of the GMT-Master II and its independently adjustable local hour hand.
The subsequent reference 16710 perfected this aesthetic, offering a slimmer, more refined case profile while retaining the striking black and red contrast. The black upper half of the bezel blends seamlessly with the dial, creating a streamlined look that highlights the striking red lower half. Mounted on a robust stainless steel Oyster bracelet, the Coke appeals to the modern traveler who desires a touch of color without compromising on understated versatility.
Find Your GMT-Master II Timepiece at SwissWatchExpo
Whether you are drawn to the classic aviation heritage of the Pepsi or the versatile, striking contrast of the Coke, securing the right Ref 16710 is about finding the configuration that aligns with your personal taste.
Want a closer look before making your decision? Connect with our watch specialists via phone, live chat, or a live FaceTime video consultation to inspect your favorite timepieces under the lights, or book an appointment online to visit our Atlanta showroom in person.
Explore thousands of certified authentic, pre-owned luxury watches in stock and ready to ship at SwissWatchExpo.com.
About SwissWatchExpo
Trust is everything in the secondary watch market. For decades, SwissWatchExpo has helped collectors safely buy, sell, and trade authentic, pre-owned luxury watches. With over 75,000 watches bought and sold, we have established our reputation on quality, transparency, and a customer-first buying experience.
Every watch is meticulously opened, inspected, authenticated and serviced by our team of in-house expert watchmakers before being offered for sale. We take out the guess work so you can buy your next watch with confidence. Learn more about us or see our authenticity guarantee.
Why Choose SwissWatchExpo
- ✓100% Owned Inventory. We have one of the largest inventories of pre-owned watches under one roof in North America – and we own every watch we sell. If a piece is on our site, it is in our showroom and ready to ship.
- ✓In-House, Swiss-Trained Watchmakers. Our own team of experts inspects the mechanics and verifies the origin of every single piece before it ever hits the sales floor.
- ✓Non-Commissioned Watch Consultants. We specialize entirely in watches, and our watch consultants aren’t paid based on what you spend. The focus is strictly on helping you find the right timepiece without the pressure.
- ✓Unmatched Transparency. We absolutely never use stock images. Our team photographs the exact watch you are buying, so you know exactly what the dial, case, and bracelet look like up close.
- ✓Better Pricing Through Efficiency. Everything happens under one roof at our Atlanta headquarters. Keeping our operations streamlined allows us to offer much sharper pricing to our buyers.
