Rolex GMT Master II 40 mm 16710U1 Steel Black

The Rolex GMT-Master II is one of the most celebrated and historically significant sport watches ever produced, originally developed in collaboration with Pan American World Airways to give pilots and navigators a reliable way to track two time zones simultaneously. Reference 16710 — and its variant 16710U1 — represents the final chapter of the steel GMT-Master II produced at the Oyster Professional caliber level before the introduction of the ceramic-bezel generation, making it a pivotal and highly collectible reference in the broader Rolex catalog. Collectors and enthusiasts actively seek out the 16710 series precisely because it bridges old-world GMT-Master character with the refined finishing and bracelet engineering of a more modern era.

This specific example, reference 16710U1, is presented in 40mm Oyster-grade stainless steel — a case diameter that defined the GMT-Master II for decades and remains widely regarded as the perfect size for the model's bold, functional aesthetic. The case pairs a brushed and polished finish across its signature crown-protected Oyster architecture, offering the balanced, tool-watch elegance that made Rolex's professional sports line legendary. At 40mm, the watch sits confidently on a wide range of wrist sizes without ever appearing oversized or trend-dependent.

The black dial is a hallmark of GMT-Master II heritage. Clean, high-contrast, and immediately legible, it features the model's distinctive 24-hour GMT hand and the crisp applied hour markers and Mercedes hands finished with luminous fill that Rolex has long associated with professional readability. The black aluminum bezel insert is graduated with a 24-hour scale and allows the wearer to track a third time zone at a glance — the core function that earned the GMT-Master its legendary status among professional travelers, pilots, and adventurers.

Driving the watch is an automatic movement consistent with Rolex's professional-grade manufacture standards for this reference. Rolex's self-winding architecture is renowned for its precision, durability, and ease of daily timekeeping, and the independently settable 24-hour GMT hand allows the wearer to adjust local time in one-hour increments without disrupting the running seconds — a feature as practically elegant today as it was when the GMT-Master was first conceived. Water resistance is rated to 100 meters (330 feet), reinforcing the watch's credentials as a genuine all-environment companion.

The Oyster bracelet in stainless steel completes the package with a classic three-link profile and the security of Rolex's folding Oysterlock clasp, keeping the watch firmly anchored on the wrist during any activity. This combination of bracelet, case, and dial creates the cohesive, purposeful aesthetic that has made the GMT-Master II one of the most imitated yet truly inimitable watches in history. On the wrist, the 16710U1 feels substantial and serious without being heavy or cumbersome.

Bizak & Co. offers this pre-owned Rolex GMT-Master II reference 16710U1 as a certified authentic timepiece, representing a rare opportunity to acquire a cornerstone reference in Rolex sports-watch collecting. Whether you are a seasoned collector adding a landmark reference to your portfolio or a first-time buyer seeking a watch that combines heritage, utility, and enduring value, the 16710U1 deserves serious consideration. Contact Bizak & Co. today to ask questions, request additional images, or purchase this GMT-Master II online with confidence.