Rolex GMT Master II 16710 40MM 2000 Box & Papers

Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 “Pepsi” (2000) – Box & Papers

A Transitional Classic

By the year 2000, the Rolex GMT-Master II reference 16710 had matured into one of the brand’s most recognisable travel watches. Originally launched in 1989 as the successor to the short-lived 16760, the 16710 brought meaningful updates to Rolex’s dual-time platform. Chief among them was the calibre 3185, which introduced an independently adjustable local hour hand—allowing travellers to change time zones without interrupting the movement or affecting the 24-hour hand.

While the earliest 16710s retained tritium lume and hollow end links, this example from 2000 reflects several key transitional features: Super-LumiNova instead of tritium, solid end links on the bracelet, and the continued presence of aluminium bezel inserts before Rolex’s eventual shift to ceramic in later decades. It’s a reference that balances traditional Rolex tool-watch characteristics with the early signs of modern refinement.

Case, Bezel & Bracelet

The stainless steel Oyster case measures 40mm in diameter with a thickness of around 12.4mm—slim by current GMT standards and true to the professional tool-watch proportions of the era. This particular example features drilled lugs, a nod to functionality that enables easy strap changes, and an increasingly desirable feature among collectors as modern references omit them altogether.

The bezel is fitted with the iconic red-and-blue aluminium “Pepsi” insert, notable here for its crisp, fat-font numerals and vibrant colour balance. The bezel remains bidirectional, with a solid and satisfying 120-click action. Unlike later ceramic bezels, which are more scratch-resistant but less forgiving to wear, this anodised aluminium version will show character over time—something many vintage enthusiasts prefer.

The watch comes on its original 78790 Oyster bracelet, now fitted with solid end links (SEL), marking Rolex’s steady transition into more robust case and bracelet architecture. The bracelet shows minimal stretch and retains the original folding clasp with flip-lock, providing both comfort and security.

Dial & Hands

This 2000 model sports a glossy black Super-LumiNova dial, replacing the earlier tritium lume that Rolex phased out in the late 1990s. As expected, the dial is marked “Swiss Made” at six o’clock, confirming the lume transition. The white gold surrounds on the hour markers remain bright and polished, and the dial surface is clean and unmarred.

The familiar GMT handset—Mercedes hour, sword-style minute, lollipop seconds, and the red GMT hand with a luminous triangle—remains intact and functional. The proportions are correct for the era, and the red GMT hand stands out vividly against the black dial and Pepsi bezel, making it easy to read a second time zone at a glance.

Movement

Powering the watch is the Rolex calibre 3185, a workhorse movement developed specifically to support the independently adjustable local hour hand while maintaining COSC chronometer certification. Beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offering a 50-hour power reserve, the 3185 is equipped with a full balance bridge, Breguet overcoil, and microstella adjustment screws for long-term reliability.

Collectors often debate the merits of the 3185 versus the later 3186, but in terms of function, the performance is nearly identical. In practice, the jumping hour function operates smoothly and precisely, and the GMT complication is easy to set and use on the fly.

Why the Year 2000 Matters

This 2000 production watch sits at a critical junction in Rolex’s manufacturing timeline. It combines several important transitions: solid end links, Super-LumiNova, and the continuation of aluminium bezel inserts. While modern Rolex GMTs have gone on to feature ceramic bezels, maxi cases, and larger hands, this reference remains compact, legible, and practical—designed first and foremost as a professional tool rather than a luxury object.

Its drilled lugs are among the last to appear before Rolex fully transitioned to no-hole cases, and it retains the pre-engraved rehaut, keeping the dial uncluttered and clean. These details make the year 2000 16710 something of a bridge: no longer strictly vintage, but pre-modern in every way that matters.

Box and Papers

This example is accompanied by its original box and punched papers—details that are becoming increasingly hard to find as time marches on. The full set not only enhances collectability but also offers peace of mind in terms of provenance. For serious collectors or those seeking to wear and hold onto a reference with lasting value, this completeness adds real weight.

Final Thoughts

The Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 from 2000 is the kind of watch that exemplifies Rolex’s quiet evolution. It’s not flashy, not oversized, and not chasing trends—but it does everything it needs to with precision, purpose, and poise. It captures the final moments of Rolex’s classic era before the arrival of ceramic bezels, thicker cases, and shinier finishes.

With its Super-LumiNova dial, drilled lugs, SEL bracelet, and aluminium Pepsi bezel, this reference balances vintage charm with everyday practicality. For the collector who values subtle details, solid construction, and heritage you can wear, the 16710 from this period remains one of the most compelling GMT options Rolex has ever produced.

Case in very good condition. Hairline Scratches visible. Bracelet in good condition, minimal stretch, hairlines visible. 

Dial and hands are in very good condition.