Rolex GMT-Master II 40 mm 16710U3 Steel Black

The Rolex GMT-Master II reference 16710U3 is one of the most enduring expressions of a watch designed explicitly for the jet-setting professional — a timepiece built to track two time zones simultaneously without sacrificing the rugged reliability that defines every Rolex Oyster. Originally conceived in partnership with a major international airline, the GMT-Master lineage stretches back to the 1950s, and the GMT-Master II line refined that heritage by introducing an independently adjustable hour hand, allowing the wearer to set local time freely while the GMT hand continues tracking a reference zone. Reference 16710 occupies a pivotal chapter in that story, representing the modern evolution of the classic 40mm steel GMT before the introduction of the ceramic-bezel era, making surviving examples like this 16710U3 increasingly collectible.

The 40mm Oyster case is crafted entirely in Oystersteel, Rolex's proprietary corrosion-resistant alloy that presents a cool, brushed-and-polished aesthetic equally at home under a suit jacket or a flight jacket. At that diameter the GMT-Master II wears with confident presence without overpowering the wrist — a proportion that modern collectors increasingly regard as the sweet spot for a sports Rolex. Water resistance to 100 meters (330 feet) is ensured by the screw-down Oyster crown and case construction, reinforcing the watch's credentials as a genuine tool watch rather than a purely dress piece.

The black dial of this reference 16710U3 is a study in functional elegance. Applied hour markers and luminous hands read effortlessly in low light, while the date window at three o'clock adds everyday utility. The black aluminum bezel insert carries the bidirectional 24-hour graduated scale that is the GMT-Master II's defining visual signature, its warm matte finish offering a classic contrast against the polished steel case that many collectors prefer over later ceramic bezels for its period-correct authenticity.

Power comes from a Rolex automatic movement — a self-winding mechanical caliber whose reliability and precision are benchmarks of the industry. The Oyster bracelet, with its characteristic three-link design, integrates seamlessly with the case and delivers the secure, comfortable fit that makes the GMT-Master II a practical daily companion across time zones and hemispheres. The folding Oysterlock clasp ensures the bracelet stays securely fastened during active wear.

For collectors and travelers alike, the Rolex GMT-Master II 16710U3 represents an outstanding opportunity to acquire a pre-owned icon before the market moves further. Pre-ceramic GMT references in steel with classic black configurations have demonstrated sustained collector demand, and the 16710 generation is widely acknowledged as one of the last great mechanical GMT chapters before Rolex transitioned entirely to ceramic bezels. Bizak & Co. offers this certified authentic example with full confidence in its provenance. Reach out to our team at bizakandco.com to discuss this reference in detail, ask any questions, and make it yours.