Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR
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Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR "Batman" Quest

By hs111 · Jan 9, 2014 · 19 replies
hs111
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New Year : A City Strolling and 3 Choices Hello, being sort of a newbie in the slippery, but fascinating (Vintage) Rolex terrain, just wanted to share some early New Year's ongoings.. Some intro- background, totally biased - so, if you get bored, simply read on at B/.. < A/ The unexciting story begi

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New Year : A City Strolling and 3 Choices

Hello, being sort of a newbie in the slippery, but fascinating (Vintage) Rolex terrain, just
wanted to share some early New Year's ongoings..

Some intro- background, totally biased - so, if you get bored, simply read on at B/..
<
A/ The unexciting story begins, with the notion, that I may "need" another Rolex,
preferably with a 2nd timezone, as an useful ad- on for my few modern ones,
and for travelling, as well, (where I currently either take my Rolex Date or often
use my JLC Reverso Gde GMT).

Hence, it occurs I've been sort of between acquiring a ( modern or younger generation) GMT
vs to just continue my just humble and slow start into the Rolex Vintage terroir ( owning now
a Sub 1680 and a 5513..), next to my "Watch for Life", my old trustworthy
Oyster Date from 1976;

- so I ended with inclining to the GMT- concept.

Further , after having read a number of posts, and reviews ( Nicolas, Baron and others),
my conclusion was, that for hunting a decent Vintage GMT, I'm still lacking more experience
and maybe smart guts to use such a watch for travelling..
- if GMT, my reasoning is, then a modern one

B/ The Decision Process- or Exploration

Coincidently, after having read Barons excellent review about the "Bruiser"/ aka " Batman",
called by others , and studied the responses:

I myself had also ended exactly with this very 2013 model ( black/ blue bezel) of the
Ref 116710 BLNR,
where Rolex had implemented a number of new concepts, to produce a fine piece of
a beater, with enough chic, at a decent size to fit to a suit and as well to a more casual
attire.

If you want to have more details, pls read Baron's excellent review about his own reasoning !
smile

Thank you, for bearing with me until now - here are just some early in the Year impressions,
of having a City stroll, for an appointment with one the major ADs to look at the "Bruiser" in
real and also to test its wrist impressions in reality

Well, in my City many things start with a good coffee, this time I'll take it in another Gourmet
department store, which always also is known for excellent coffee,
and then let's go to the tic- tacs !


A good place to start



This time another spot.. Another cake



Good coffee is .. Always a starter !



Windows for targets..


Well, now in the Rolex-AD store: it indeed looked very, very nice; somehow
" under the radar", and still with enough appeal, but robustness plus the expected
functionality; not magic, but very,very nice, I find..
Wrist presence is great and it sits on my wrist comfortably, but solid.


First impressions go a long way



Yup, nice sitting on wrist and good appeal


I immediately like the shiny indices with a more white/ blue glue, good contrast,
and also the blue GMT hand. - Also I appreciate the independent setting of the hour hand,
in 1 hour increments, which I always deem a nice feature;
- the date changing is with the "small back and forth";
maybe would have been nicer, if also the date could be directly changed with the crown.
- Guess it has been done to accomodate the mentioned 1 hr jump changes of the hour hand.
I also indeed like the size, (the numbers on the bezel are pretty solid, bigger, it appears)
yet very coherent and appropriate

The look and feel plus the whole appeal, are pleasing..,
not spectacular, yet just very nice..

But here comes a little decision : shall I stick to the black/ blue with the blue GMT- hand
or maybe reconsider and go for a very low - key black/ black with the green GMT- hand
pretty easy decision, I trust.. The "Batman" wins..


Left: black/ black w green 24 hr - Right black/ blue w blue 24 hr



Here again : the 'Bruiser' - Like it..


So here within this following little collage are the sequelae of the first part of my stroll


How to get started..


Finally , for the moment I decided that I needed to have a look , at my regular watch & Vintage
store which is also having good modern pieces, new and previously pre-owned:

it happens that there is a really pretty nice "standard" GMT black/ red Ref 16710, at a very
decent prize, they offer to me
Should I redirect all and go back to a more conventional choice, at a lesser expense,
as well ? - (Thus, leaving a little bit more to spend following SIHH?; --- LoL)

Thus, suddenly another choice with a decent GMT, with B+P, all from around 2001, in
excellent condition, which would fill most of my requests, in a reasonable way; but
the bezel will be the usual aluminium one; appearance is also very nice on my wrist ! ..

[ Pictures from black/red GMT ]


A very nice 'standard' GMT - pleasant to look at this 16710



More choices with a GMT hand ... (?)


But, not enough - as if I had opened Pandora's box, on a routine look at some of the Vintages, there is a very nice trio of Rolex 5513s, 2 with nice gilt, which I immediately liked,
liked very much


A trio of 5513s .. A Second thought ? .. Hmmm..


- But I'm already having a very nice 5513 - yet there is one which has a great gilted appeal !
( Trade ?? - Otherwise there is redundancy - Naahh, I'm really happy with mine, yet...)

Thus, I guess, for the moment I'll end here, since the story will continue, as things look now ..
Decision -Time, Point to decide: Yes or No --- Possibility number 4 is doing nothing, BTW..
But naahhh !! - This is not, what I want

wink

I need to be taking a decision - how would I decide, how would I make my reasoning ?
or hasn't everything been already said, and the rest is passion, plus receiving the right signals
from the piece itself, and hearing the " right song" with my heart? ..
I guess, for the moment , I'll just have another cup of coffee


A typical solution : just another Espresso and reflect a bit


Hope, you enjoyed some of the pics;
- for me it was an interesting experience, how a
( rookie's) concept can change or/ and too much reasoning sometimes alters the equations..
- Really, says the brain ? - You know, what to do, says the heart !

More to be read in Part II

Best, hs

About the Rolex Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680

The Rolex Submariner reference 1680 is notable as the first Submariner model to feature a date complication, marking a significant evolution for the line. Introduced in the late 1960s, it bridged the gap between the earlier no-date Submariners and later iterations, offering enhanced functionality while retaining the robust characteristics of the professional tool watch. This reference is distinguished by its single cyclops date magnifier on the crystal, a feature that would become a hallmark of many subsequent Rolex models.

This reference typically features a 40mm steel case, housing the self-winding Caliber 1575 movement. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The crystal is acrylic, commonly referred to as Plexiglas, contributing to its vintage aesthetic. Water resistance for the 1680 is rated at 200 meters, consistent with its design as a reliable underwater instrument.

For collectors, the reference 1680 is highly sought after, particularly early examples with "Red Submariner" dials where the word "Submariner" is printed in red. These variants represent a distinct period in Rolex's production history and are prized for their rarity and aesthetic appeal. The 1680 appeals to those who appreciate the blend of historical significance, functional design, and the tangible qualities of vintage Rolex manufacturing.

Specifications

Caliber
Cal.1575
Case
steel
Diameter
40mm
Dial
black
Water Resist.
200m
Crystal
Acrylic (Plexiglas)
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The Discussion
BA
Baron - Mr Red
Jan 9, 2014

......in pursuit of the watch we crave. Ultimately, it boils down to what excites you most when looking at your wrist. If i was a risk-taker (oops, I am), then I know where i would be placing my risk! Good luck with your final decision, my friend.

AM
amanico
Jan 9, 2014

Not taking a decision for the moment... Still thinking of it, just to be sure... Stay stuck to the GMT. You will see the Sub case after. But your alternative to the Blue and Black 116710 is very honorable, too, if it comes with box and papers at a very decent price. Aren't these times of undeicsion delicious? Be careful with the coffe, though... Too many is dangerous! :) Best, my friend. Nicolas

BA
Baron - Mr Red
Jan 9, 2014

....H's alternative is one I own....my very first Rolex! A delicious decision to make.

HS
hs111
Jan 9, 2014

.. decision making, taking the plunge, landing the eagle - strangely enough, despite all of smart thinking and reasoning It often boils down to a quite intense personal bonding feeling, coming - and I believe that - to a degree "from our soul(s) and decision making is just a sequelae Let me simply state , I'm almost totally with you, although my starting point(s) differ quite a bit. I assume, since you meanwhile know me enough, your guess will probably be right. :) Very best, and good short wait

GE
gensiulia
Jan 9, 2014

these posts are always a lot of fun, and you've got exposed very objectively what is going on in our heads when we're looking for something. but I think you've already decided. i'll wait for the second part ;) ciao, chris

AR
Ares501 - Mr Green
Jan 9, 2014

my favorite cup as well ;) Regarding you doubts that you so marvelously presented may I propose resolution in form of Pepsi? :) Best my dear Heinz Yours Damjan

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