Rolex GMT-Master II 40 mm 16710BLRO3 Steel Black

The Rolex GMT-Master II reference 16710BLRO3 represents one of the most celebrated chapters in a storied lineage that dates back to 1955, when Rolex introduced the original GMT-Master in collaboration with Pan American World Airways to serve the needs of transatlantic pilots who needed to track two time zones simultaneously. By the time the GMT-Master II arrived in 1983, Rolex had refined the movement to allow the hour hand to be set independently of the minute hand, giving travelers and professionals true dual-time-zone functionality. The 16710 series, produced from 1989 through 2007, represents the final generation of GMT-Master II references to carry the aluminum bezel insert — and the BLRO variant, with its striking black-and-red 24-hour graduated bezel, is the configuration most commonly associated with the iconic 'Pepsi' aesthetic that made the model a cultural phenomenon.

The case of the 16710BLRO3 measures 40mm in diameter and is crafted entirely from Rolex's proprietary 904L stainless steel, a corrosion-resistant alloy that takes a deeper, more mirror-like polish than the 316L steel used by most competitors. The Oyster case is quintessentially Rolex: a three-piece construction with a screwdown caseback and a screwdown winding crown that together deliver 100 meters (330 feet) of water resistance. The overall profile is compact by modern standards, sitting close to the wrist and wearing with the balanced proportions that made 40mm Rolex sports watches a benchmark for decades.

The black dial on this reference is executed in Rolex's signature applied-index style, with luminous hour markers and Mercedes hands that ensure legibility under any lighting condition. The additional 24-hour hand — tipped in a contrasting color to distinguish it from the local-time hour hand — traverses the black-and-red bezel to indicate the second time zone at a glance. The black-and-red aluminum bezel insert, machined to precise tolerances, is bidirectional and marked in two colors to differentiate daytime (red) hours from nighttime (black) hours, adding both function and unmistakable visual identity.

Power comes from a Rolex automatic movement, a self-winding caliber representative of the robust and accurate engineering tradition Rolex is renowned for. The movement winds via a Perpetual rotor, so daily wear keeps it perpetually charged. While the 16710 generation predates some of Rolex's most recent movement advances, its reliability record over decades of professional and enthusiast use is exceptional, and it remains eminently serviceable by any qualified watchmaker with access to current Rolex parts.

On the wrist, the GMT-Master II 16710BLRO3 commands immediate attention without being ostentatious. The Oyster bracelet — with its flat three-link design and folding Oysterlock clasp — is comfortable for all-day wear and pairs naturally with the brushed-and-polished case surfaces. This is a watch that transitions effortlessly from a business meeting to a weekend adventure, and its 40mm diameter makes it one of the most universally wearable references in the Rolex catalog.

Buying a used Rolex GMT-Master II 16710BLRO3 from Bizak & Co. means acquiring a certified authentic timepiece from a trusted dealer. The aluminum Pepsi bezel variant of the 16710 has appreciated meaningfully among collectors who prize the pre-ceramic era of GMT-Master production, making this reference as strong a value proposition as it is a daily companion. Reach out to Bizak & Co. at bizakandco.com to ask questions, request additional photos, or purchase this watch online — our team is here to guide you through every step of the acquisition process.