1988 Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 16710 'Coke' with extra 'Pepsi' insert

The first GMT-Master in production ever was the ref.6542 and was introduced in 1954. But, perhaps one of the most popular vintage Rolex GMT-Master watches is this ref.1675. Introduced in 1959 and produced till 1980.

 

In 1988 Rolex released the 16700, it was only a GMT-Master, and the brand made it until 1999. The purpose of the 16700 was to replace the 16750.  At the time, the 16700 was cheaper than the 16710, which came out together with the 16700, in 1988. Our watch, the reference 16710, had a very long lifespan. Rolex produced it from 1988 to 2007 and, as you can imagine, it received many updates through the years.

 

Just like the 16700, reference 16710 also came to the market as a replacement. You can guess it; for the 16760. This was the second GMT-Master II, and Rolex offered it with a Coke bezel as well. Other options were BLRO (blue/red), AKA ‘Pepsi’, or LN (black). If you fancied a different case material, you could opt for a two-tone steel/gold (Ref. 16713).

Being part of the first production batch of the Ref. 16710, the watch offered for sale here dates to 1988.

 

The dial is flawless, preserving all its glossiness and featuring a charming vanilla patina hue on the hour markers and matching handset.

 

The bezel remains sharp. The original Serif font ‘Coke’ bezel insert also remains in great shape, letting visible some signs of wear. It comes with an extra, original, blue-back ‘Pepsi’ insert that shows a natural and lovely fading from aging.

 

The 40mm stainless steel case is very sharp and thick, showing a polishing that follows production standards. It shows only very minor signs of wear. The case back remains in the same condition too.

 

The watch is running well and keeping time, as it has been recently serviced..

 

The original sapphire crystal has some minor dust on the inner face around 2 o'clock that could be easily cleaned.

 

It comes suited on the original 20mm Rolex Oyster 78360 stainless steel bracelet with 501 B end links and clasp code N11 which shows little to no stretch and only minor signs of use.

 

Macros of dial and case, as well as extra pictures of the ‘Pepsi’ insert are available under request.