The Replica GMT-Master II Ref. 116710LN the Most Underappreciated Modern Rolex

The world of Rolex is one of prestige, precision, and perpetual fascination. Yet even in a brand so universally recognized, certain models quietly exist in the shadow of their more colorful or historically famous siblings. Among these hidden gems lies the Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 116710LN – a replica watch that, for many years, has been overlooked by collectors. I’ve owned mine since 2016, and over time, it has proven itself to be far more than a monochrome alternative to the brand’s more flamboyant offerings. For more details, please visit justokgamers.

When Rolex introduced the GMT-Master II ref. 116710LN in 2007, it followed close on the heels of the first Cerachrom bezel models, signaling the brand’s transition into a new era of materials and technology. At the time, the world still had access to vibrant “Pepsi” bezels in red and blue aluminum – icons of the GMT-Master lineage. Against this backdrop, the 116710LN’s all-black ceramic bezel and matching dial felt restrained, even austere. Its understated tone seemed almost at odds with the playful, travel-inspired heritage of the GMT-Master series. Perhaps that’s why it never quite received the adoration its technical and aesthetic merits deserved.

After its discontinuation in 2019, the ref. 116710LN slipped further into relative obscurity, trading quietly among collectors who recognized its value. Mechanically, it offers nearly everything its successors do, aside from the updated movement with a 70-hour power reserve. Its 3186 caliber remains reliable and precise, bridging an interesting era in Rolex history – modern enough for everyday performance, yet rooted in the craftsmanship that defined Rolex’s late-20th-century design philosophy.

When I purchased mine in 2016, I had the choice between the 116710LN and the blue-and-black “Batman.” I chose the black. The simplicity of the monochrome design appealed to me – stealthy, timeless, and distinctly unpretentious. It was a Rolex that didn’t demand attention but rewarded it. Despite its polished center links and ceramic bezel, it carries an understated strength. While the rest of the GMT lineup – from the colorful “Pepsi” to the rich “Root Beer” – embraces boldness, the 116710LN exudes quiet confidence.

People often ask, “Why not just buy a Submariner?” The answer, for me, is practicality. The GMT-Master II offers something the Submariner doesn’t: genuine functionality for travelers. The ability to track multiple time zones easily outweighs the Submariner’s extra depth rating for everyday use. Its Oysterlock clasp is smaller and more comfortable than the Submariner’s Glidelock version, and the inclusion of a date makes it more versatile for daily wear. To me, it’s the more balanced companion – refined yet resilient.

In recent years, fake Rolex released the GMT-Master II ref. 126710GRNR, nicknamed the “Bruce Wayne” for its black-and-grey bezel. It’s considered the spiritual successor to the 116710LN, yet it doesn’t capture the same charm. The newer watch is technically superior, featuring the next-generation movement and bracelet options, but it feels overly modern – almost clinical. By contrast, the 116710LN stands at a crossroads between vintage and contemporary replica Rolex. Its ceramic bezel represented innovation at the time, while its movement and proportions now evoke a touch of nostalgia. It’s a transitional reference – a snapshot of Rolex evolving, yet not fully reinvented.

From an investment perspective, the 116710LN offers genuine value. On the secondary market, it typically sells between €9,000 and €12,000, depending on condition and completeness. That’s not far off from what I paid nearly a decade ago – €7,750 in 2016 – especially when adjusted for inflation. Its modern counterpart retails for around €11,000, yet offers little more in practical terms. If one were to swap the black bezel for a blue-and-black version, the price would jump by several thousand euros – proof that hype often outpaces logic in watch collecting. Personally, the purity of the all-black design is the core of its allure, and I wouldn’t trade that understated character for a hint of color.

Of course, the 116710LN isn’t flawless. The polished center links pick up scratches easily, and the ceramic bezel – while nearly indestructible – will always look pristine, even as the rest of the watch ages naturally. That contrast may eventually feel inconsistent to those who appreciate the graceful patina of vintage replica watches. And while it will never develop the soft fading of an aluminum insert, that’s precisely what defines it as a product of Rolex’s modern era – a symbol of permanence rather than change.

After eight years of ownership, I can say this watch represents a chapter of my journey as a collector. It marks the point where my preferences shifted from novelty to nuance, from chasing trends to appreciating substance. The Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 116710LN may not be the loudest watch in the room, but for those who look closely, it speaks volumes. It embodies the essence of contemporary Rolex – precision, endurance, and quiet confidence – making it, in my view, one of the most underappreciated modern Rolex watches ever made.