There’s something about the Rolex GMT-Master II that just pulls you in. Maybe it’s the history, born in the jet age and refined over decades. Maybe it’s the bezel - bold, functional, endlessly collectible. Or maybe it’s just the way it makes you feel the moment it hits your wrist: like you’re ready to go somewhere. As someone who’s spent years working in the watch industry, I can tell you this model always gets people talking. And today, I want to share a closer look at three of my personal favorites: the 116710LN, the 116710BLNR, and the 126720VTNR.
The Origins of the GMT-Master
The GMT-Master was born out of necessity in the 1950s. Pan Am Airlines needed a watch that pilots could use to track multiple time zones while flying transatlantic routes. Rolex answered with the GMT-Master, introducing the now-familiar 24-hour hand and rotating bezel system. In 1982, Rolex refined the movement to allow the hour hand to jump independently, giving us the GMT-Master II.
This seemingly small update changed everything. The GMT-Master II became a serious tool for travelers, but it also started to gain traction in the collector world thanks to its sporty aesthetic and versatility. Fast forward to the modern era, and you’ve got a lineup of GMTs that still hold true to that original spirit - but with improved movements, ceramic bezels, and some polarizing design changes (we’ll get to the lefty).
Rolex GMT-Master II 116710LN: The Under Appreciated Tool Watch
Let’s start with the sleeper of the group: the 116710LN. Released in 2007 and discontinued in 2019, this was the first modern GMT-Master II to feature a ceramic bezel and Maxi case. At the time, it was cutting-edge. But now? It’s become a bit of an insider’s pick. The all-black bezel might not scream “GMT” the way the two-tone options do, but that’s part of its appeal. It’s stealthy. Understated. And if you know, you know. The green GMT hand and matching green text are the only pops of color, and they hit just right.
I’ve always had a soft spot for the 116710LN. It wears beautifully, flies under the radar, and still packs all the functionality you need. Plus, it’s one of the few modern Rolex sport watches you can still find for under some of the hyped-up premiums.
Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR: The Batman That Broke the Internet
Now let’s talk about the one that turned heads from day one: the 116710BLNR, affectionately known as the Batman. Launched in 2013, this was the first Rolex to feature a bi-color ceramic bezel. That alone was groundbreaking. Up until that point, Rolex had insisted that two-tone ceramic wasn’t feasible. Then, boom - black and blue.
The BLNR brought serious heat to the GMT lineup. The contrast of the black and blue bezel, paired with the classic Oyster bracelet and the 3186 movement, made it a modern icon. This is the watch that got a whole new generation interested in the GMT-Master II. I remember when we got our first Batman in the shop. It didn’t last long. Still doesn’t. These watches sell themselves. But what I really appreciate is how the BLNR balances flash and function. It’s instantly recognizable, but still feels grounded in Rolex tool watch heritage.
Rolex GMT-Master II 126720VTNR: The Left-Handed Curveball
And now for the wildcard: the 126720VTNR, better known as the Sprite - or if you prefer, the "Lefty." This watch stirred up all kinds of debate when it launched in 2022. Left-hand crown? Green and black bezel? Jubilee bracelet? What was Rolex doing?
But once you get past the initial shock, you start to see the genius. The left-hand crown isn’t just for southpaws - it’s about balance and comfort. If you’re right-handed and wear your watch on the left wrist, it actually fits better. And that green/black combo? It’s subtle, unique, and a bit more modern than the classic Pepsi or Batman. The 126720VTNR also runs on the upgraded Caliber 3285 movement, with improved power reserve and efficiency. It’s a technical evolution as much as a visual one.
I’ve seen collectors who swore they’d never wear a lefty GMT change their mind after trying this on. It’s one of those watches that challenges you to rethink what you like - and I respect that.
What These Models Say About Modern Rolex
Each of these GMT-Master II references tells a different story:
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The 116710LN is the underdog: quietly competent, incredibly wearable, and aging gracefully.
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The 116710BLNR is the icon: instantly recognizable, highly sought-after, and historically significant.
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The 126720VTNR is the disruptor: unexpected, experimental, and forward-looking.
They’re all still true GMTs at heart - built for travel, engineered for durability, and dripping with Rolex quality. But they also reflect how the brand is evolving. Rolex is still playing the long game, still thinking in decades, not seasons.
Why I Keep Coming Back to the GMT
There’s a reason the GMT-Master II remains one of my favorite lines to talk about, sell, and wear. It represents everything Rolex does well: thoughtful design, functional engineering, and just the right amount of flash. Whether it’s the classic all-black 116710LN, the legendary Batman 116710BLNR, or the bold VTNR Sprite - each one gives collectors a different flavor of the GMT experience. They’re not just timepieces; they’re timestamps.
If you’re looking for your next (or first) Rolex GMT-Master II, swing by the shop. I’ll walk you through each model, explain the nuances, and let you see for yourself why this reference continues to define what a luxury tool watch can be
