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When choosing a mechanical watch, what do you look for?
Many of you would probably answer "design," "functionality," or "asset value." While appearance and resale value are certainly very important points, by increasing your knowledge and understanding of the historical background of brands and models, and the minor changes made over the years, you might come to love watches even more and enjoy the process of choosing one. In this column, we will thoroughly dissect and explain as much information as possible about mechanical watches, for both beginners and advanced enthusiasts, to help you in your watch selection.
This time, we will focus on the [Rolex] "GMT-Master II" models "Ref. 116713LN, Ref. 116718LN, and Ref. 116719BLRO", so please read to the end.
GMT-Master II Ref. 116713LN, Ref. 116718LN, Ref. 116719BLRO
The 6th generation "GMT-Master II" appeared in 2005, marking the 50th anniversary of the "GMT-Master".
This series is a turning point where Rolex's sports models shifted significantly towards a modern luxury approach, with changes such as the transition from the traditional aluminum bezel to the robust and beautifully polished "Cerachrom bezel" and a larger case.
This time, we will thoroughly explain the three models: the two-tone model (116713LN), the solid yellow gold (116718LN), and the solid white gold (116719BLRO), down to the finest details, including differences in materials, color schemes, and variations based on manufacturing period.
Basic Specifications
【Ref.116713LN (Yellow Rolesor SS/YG)】
Manufacturing period: 2006-2019
Case diameter: 40mm
Crystal: Sapphire crystal (with etched coronet)
Bezel: Black Cerachrom (numerals are yellow gold coated)
Bracelet: 78203 (Oyster bracelet)
Movement: Cal.3186
Water resistance: 100m
【Ref.116718LN (Yellow Gold)】
Manufacturing period: 2005-2019
Case diameter: 40mm
Crystal: Sapphire crystal (with etched coronet)
Bezel: Black Cerachrom (numerals are yellow gold coated)
Bracelet: 78208 (Oyster bracelet)
Movement: Cal.3186
Water resistance: 100m
【Ref.116719BLRO (White Gold)】
Manufacturing period: 2014-2019
Case diameter: 40mm
Crystal: Sapphire crystal (with etched coronet)
Bezel: Blue/Red Cerachrom (numerals are platinum coated)
Bracelet: 78209 (Oyster bracelet)
Movement: Cal.3186
Water resistance: 100m
Dial
■ Ref.116713LN ― Unified Black & Green
The dial lineup for the Rolesor model is exclusively black.
However, unlike previous gold-tone prints (lettering), the "GMT-MASTER II" model name and the "24-hour hand (GMT hand)" feature a vibrant green.
Combined with the jet-black ceramic bezel, it creates a modern and sporty appearance that, despite being a two-tone model, does not feel outdated.
■ Ref.116718LN ― Special "Green" Symbolizing the 50th Anniversary
The solid YG model, which spearheaded the series, has two important variations.
● Green Dial
The brand's corporate color, offered at its initial release in 2005.
The unique deep green, neither matte nor sunray, clearly positions it as a 50th-anniversary model and enjoys unwavering popularity as a collector's item.
● Black Dial
The classic black, added later to the lineup.
With a sharp design that tones down the flashiness of the YG case, it has a calmer feel and is more suitable for everyday wear than the green dial.
■ Ref.116719BLRO ― The Return of the Long-Awaited Pepsi Color
This solid WG model was introduced, bringing back the "blue and red bezel" that had been absent from the lineup for a long time due to the difficulty of producing red in ceramic.
● Black Dial
The main dial used from its introduction until just before its discontinuation.
The contrast between the subtle sparkle of WG and the Pepsi bezel is beautiful, and while it appears to be a stainless steel model at first glance, only the wearer can enjoy its substantial weight.
● Blue Dial
A rare dial produced only for a short period around 2018, just before production ended.
This specification is seen during the transition period to the next generation model (126719BLRO), and its market circulation is extremely limited.
Hands
All three models feature thick, prominent hands to match the enlarged "maxi dial" for enhanced legibility.
・Hour, minute, and second hands are gold (YG or WG) to match the case material.
・Variations in GMT hand specifications:
【116713LN / 116718LN】: Green GMT hand
【116719BLRO】: Traditional GMT hand with a red tip
・Luminescence is Luminova (green emission) / Chromalight (blue emission)
※The luminous material changed depending on the manufacturing year, with a switch to blue-glowing Chromalight around 2013-2014.
Bezel
■ Ref.116713LN / Ref.116718LN
Both models use a "monochrome black" Cerachrom bezel.
Unlike the aluminum era, the markings are applied with a thin layer of yellow gold via PVD coating.
Resistant to scratches and virtually immune to UV discoloration, it maintains a new-like texture along with the brilliance of YG.
■ Ref.116719BLRO
Notably, this model features a technological innovation: baking "blue and red" onto a single ceramic component.
Early examples show slight bleeding between the red and blue sections, or a more pastel color tone compared to current production, making the differences in coloration due to manufacturing period a subject of study.
The markings are platinum-coated, enhancing the unity with the WG case.
Case
The biggest change compared to the previous generation (5-digit references) is the case form.
・The case diameter remains 40mm, but the lugs and crown guard are thicker and more robust.
・The crown is upgraded to a "Triplock (triple waterproof system)".
Overall, it has become more voluminous, and combined with the substantial weight of the solid and two-tone materials, its presence as a sports watch has increased.
Bracelet
■ Ref.116713LN / 116718LN / 116719BLRO Common
All models feature the robust Oyster bracelet.
・The center links are mirror-polished (polished center links).
・The links are no longer hollow, transitioning to a completely solid construction.
This significantly reduces the "stretch" and "sagging" common in older bracelets, and greatly improves stability when worn.
This evolution is particularly indispensable for supporting the weight of solid gold models.
Clasp
The clasp evolved from the traditional stamped clasp to the robust Oysterlock clasp.
It prevents accidental opening with a luxurious closing sound.
Additionally, it features the "Easylink" function, which allows for approximate 5mm adjustments to the bracelet length without tools, adding practicality for quick adjustments when the wrist swells in the summer.
The inner plate (clasp) of the buckle is also mirror-polished, demonstrating the high-quality craftsmanship even in unseen areas, as expected from a luxury timepiece.
Movement
"Cal.3186"
All models are equipped with "Cal.3186".
・The use of Parachrom hairsprings improves anti-magnetic and shock resistance.
・The operating mechanism of the GMT hand has been improved, eliminating the "hand play" (backlash) seen in the previous model (Cal.3185).
Beyond the evolution of its exterior, the internal mechanism has also been enhanced for reliability, bringing it to the pinnacle of practical watchmaking.
Summary
The 6th generation, 116713LN, 116718LN, and 116719BLRO.
These represent a momentous generation where the GMT-Master II evolved from merely a pilot's watch into a sports watch that symbolizes success.
The lustrous texture of the ceramic bezel and the overwhelming presence exuded by the thicker case.
From the green dial introduced on its 50th anniversary to the WG Pepsi, a culmination of technology, essential pieces of Rolex's history are all here.
