Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 "Pepsi" Discontinued

About This Watch

The Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 with "Pepsi" red and blue aluminum bezel is one of the most beloved vintage-modern Rolex references. Produced from 1989 to 2007, it was the last GMT-Master II to use an aluminum bezel insert before the transition to Cerachrom ceramic. The aluminum insert develops a beautiful faded patina over time, with the red and blue transitioning to pink and navy, a characteristic that has become highly desirable among collectors. The caliber 3185 (later upgraded to 3186 in some late-production examples) featured an independently adjustable hour hand for quick time zone changes. The 16710 was available with three bezel options: Pepsi (red/blue), Coke (red/black), and all-black, with the Pepsi being the most popular and valuable. The solid end links and improved bracelet construction gave this generation a more substantial feel compared to earlier references. This model represents the golden era of accessible Rolex sports watches, when retail prices were under $6,000 and availability was reasonable. Today, clean examples command three times their original retail price, reflecting the growing appreciation for these transitional-era GMT references.