Rolex GMT-Master II 116710 vs. 16710: Aluminum or Ceramic Bezel?

The newly refurbished Rolex GMT-Master II was launched in 2005, thereby opening a new way for Rolex’s sports watches as well as the favourite pilot watch. Rolex introduced the Cerachrom ceramic bezel the first time in the GMT-Master II that today present on maximum Rolex ‘Professional’ watches. Although the charm of the ultra-modern ceramic bezel is magnificent, the classic aluminium bezels of the earlier GMT-Master II watches render an entirely different appeal.

All Rolex watches are indeed the real examples of high-end craftsmanship and technological innovations. Nearly every Rolex watch keeps hold of its value with age, and thus, people who are looking to raise instant cash can choose to ‘sell my Rolex watch’ or ‘sell Rolex’ with full confidence. However, let’s today compare between the Rolex GMT-Master II Reference 116710 vs Reference 16710 and find out which model claims to flaunt a better bezel.

Cerachrom or Aluminum

For decades, Rolex had used aluminium as the go-to element for the bezel on all GMT-Master models. Aluminium bezel inserts undoubtedly look good and come in a slew of colours. However, while aluminium tends to fade over time, they also are prone to scratches through regular use and wear.

Rolex designed the Cerachrom bezel to combat it, and it is one of the most significant innovations of the brand till date. The Cerachrom bezel is made from hard ceramic, making it resistant to scratching and fading. While the Cerachrom bezels possess printed numerals, the markings on the bezel are carved into the ceramic that is filled with gold or platinum followed by diamond polish. Eventually, the bezel renders a subtle sheen, retaining its beauty and clarity for years.

However, when it comes to maintenance or damage, a Cerachrom bezel is considerably more expensive to replace than an aluminium bezel.

Rolex 116710 vs 16710 – Your Bezel Colour Options

From the late 1980s till the mid-2000s, the GMT-Master II 16710 was developed by the brand with aluminium bezel inserts. The timepiece was available during that time with three different bezel colours – the classic blue and red ‘Pepsi’ bezel, black and red ‘Coke’ bezel and the underrated monochromatic black bezel.

The RolexGMT-Master II Reference 116710 was introduced in 2007. It was two years after the brand launched the full ceramic and gold GMT-Master Ref. 116718. However, the steel Rolex GMT-Master II 116710 was available exclusively with a black Cerachrom bezel for the first six years of production. But in 2013, the GMT-Master II Reference 116710BLNR made its debut with a bi-colour Cerachrom bezel. The watch is popularly known as ‘Rolex Batman’, and it is one of the most famous contemporary sports watches developed by Rolex.

However, Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 116710 was never available with blue and red ‘Pepsi’ bezel. Although the brand used a ceramic Pepsi insert on the 18ct white gold GMT-Master II ref. 116719BLRO, the ceramic version of classic blue and red ‘Pepsi’ bezel was offered as an option on stainless steel Rolex GMT-Master timepieces with the arrival of the reference 126710BLRO at Baselworld 2018.

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