Rolex GMT-Master II

Why We Love It Out of the entire Rolex model line, the GMT Master is definitely our favorite here at A/S. The GMT Master has a rich history, and there are a wide variety of options on the table when considering a to purchase. From the earliest 6542, the iconic 1675, and more contemporary options such as the 16750, and this 16710, you can rest assured you'll be getting superlative quality, style, and functionality at every level. While this 16710 is only about 15 years old, the model stays true to it roots, and is just awesome to wear. This particular example features a truly unpolished 39mm Oyster case that shares all of the same design cues that its predecessors inspired. Giving this piece a little extra sportiness, it features a sapphire crystal, jet black bezel insert, and glossy black dial. With a generally simple black and steel design, its red GMT hand adds a dash of color. The semi-quickset GMT function proves also valuable when tracking two time zones at once.  This is a watch that could be enjoyed everyday for the next 40 years without having to stress over scratches to the case and bracelet. A neo-vintage value proposition? We say yes. The Story As the legend goes, Pan-Am approached Rolex in 1953 looking for a watch specially designed for their pilots, and a partnership was quickly formed. A Submariner became the base for this new watch, and several important modifications were made to turn a Sub into the GMT-Master that we know today. Rolex added a date function with a cyclops lens magnifier, GMT complication, and two-colored bezel to provide long-haul pilots with the info they needed as they circumnavigated the globe. The GMT-Master’s 24-hour hand works in conjunction with the rotating bezel to make tracking a second time zone incredibly simple. When the bezel’s triangle is aligned to 12 o’clock, the red arrow hand points to the time on a 24-hour military scale, which in itself is valuable as a day/night indicator (at least if you’re a cave explorer). The usefulness of the complication really shines when the wearer rotates the bezel so that the numbers around the bezel correspond the a 2nd time zone (such as Greenwich Mean Time), allowing the watch to track any two time zones in the world at once.