About Yellow Gold Watches
Yellow gold has been the benchmark material for luxury watches since the earliest days of fine watchmaking, prized for its rich color, density, and resistance to tarnish. In the context of the Rolex GMT-Master II, yellow gold appears across a spectrum of configurations: the two-tone Rolesor references such as the 16713 and 116713LN pair an Oystersteel case and bracelet with yellow gold bezel and crown guards, while fully solid 18k yellow gold references like the 116718LNG and 116748SARU elevate the tool-watch DNA of the GMT-Master II into genuine dress-sport territory. The GMT-Master II itself was developed to allow pilots and frequent travelers to track a second time zone simultaneously via its bidirectional rotating bezel and dedicated GMT hand, a complication that remains as practical today as it was at launch. Across all configurations, the 40mm Oyster case provides the balanced proportions that made the GMT-Master II one of Rolex's most enduring references.
What to Look For
When shopping yellow gold GMT-Master II references, the key distinctions are case material, bezel insert color and material, and reference generation: the 16713 is a transitional Rolex era reference with a two-tone Rolesor construction and black insert, while the 116713LN and 116718LNG belong to the successor generation featuring the upgraded caliber and Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert, with the 116718LNG offering a distinctive black and green color pairing on a full yellow gold case. Solid 18k yellow gold references like the 116748SARU command a significant premium over two-tone Rolesor models due to gold content, rarity, and in some cases factory gem-set bezels. Condition, completeness of box and papers, and service history are the primary value drivers across all yellow gold GMT-Master II references.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the two-tone and solid yellow gold GMT-Master II references?
Two-tone Rolesor references such as the 16713 and 116713LN combine an Oystersteel case and Oyster bracelet with yellow gold accents including the bezel surround and crown guards, offering the GMT-Master II sport aesthetic with a touch of gold. Solid 18k yellow gold references like the 116718LNG and 116748SARU are crafted entirely from yellow gold and are produced in smaller numbers, making them significantly rarer and more valuable on the secondary market.
Are the yellow gold GMT-Master II watches at Bizak and Co. authentic?
Yes, every yellow gold watch listed at Bizak and Co. is fully authenticated before sale and ships ready to wear. Our team verifies reference numbers, case and bracelet materials, dial configuration, and overall condition to ensure buyers receive exactly what is represented in each listing.
What should I know about buying a yellow gold Rolex GMT-Master II for sale in the US?
Buyers in the US should confirm the specific reference, generation, and condition grade, as these factors significantly affect price and availability for yellow gold GMT-Master II models. Understanding whether a watch is a transitional reference like the 16713 or a later ceramic-bezel generation such as the 116713LN or 116718LNG helps set realistic price expectations and informs long-term collectibility.
Browse also: Rolex collection · yellow gold watches · GMT watches.
Buy, trade, or sell. Contact Bizak & Co. for pricing and availability on any reference in this collection.
