Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 Pepsi ‘Error / Stick Dial’, 2007

Dealer description — S.Song Watches

The Rolex GMT-Master is a watch that speaks for itself. It stands as an undisputed icon in the world of timepieces, effortlessly enabling its wearer to keep track of two separate time zones concurrently. Initially conceived in the 1950s to cater to the needs of Pan Am pilots who were embarking on increasingly frequent transatlantic flights, this invaluable instrument watch served a multitude of purposes. It not only ensured precise monitoring of both home and local time but also played a pivotal role in minimizing scheduling discrepancies, mitigating jet lag, and even boosting pilot morale. Offered here today is a later example of a 16710 ‘Pepsi’, which saw a production run from 1989 up until 2007. Within the lineage of Rolex GMT Masters, the 16710 stands out as a significant transitional reference alongside the 16700, which was released a year earlier in 1988 and remained in production until 1999. It played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation for many of the design traits seen in today’s modern GMT Masters lineup, featuring a slimmer case profile of 40mm x 12.5mm compared to its bulkier predecessor—the 16760, as well as marking Rolex’s shift from the usage of tritium to Luminova between 1998 and 1999, and subsequently to Superluminova after 2000. Our example here features what collectors call the ‘stick dial’, a rare variant produced briefly between 2006 and 2007. It replaces the serifed Roman “II” in GMT-Master II with two simple vertical lines, giving the text a cleaner, more modern typeface. This subtle change marked the quiet transition towards the ceramic GMT-Master era. Notably, this generation of the 16710 was also the last ‘Pepsi’ to feature an aluminium bezel insert before Rolex moved fully to ceramic inserts. I think it’s the little nuances like this that make Rolex collecting so fascinating. The stick dial appeals to a very specific kind of enthusiast—someone who enjoys uncovering subtle, transitional quirks that set certain examples apart. While it doesn’t yet command a significant premium, its rarity adds a quiet sense of intrigue, especially since these late dials often coincide with other end-of-production updates. Some examples, like this one, were even fitted with the upgraded Cal. 3186 featuring Rolex’s blue Parachrom hairspring for improved shock and temperature resistance, creating an unusual crossover of modern engineering within a classic five-digit case. Additionally, what makes the presence of the Cal. 3186 particularly unexpected in this reference is that this movement is typically found only in the six-digit GMT-Master II generation (11671X), not within a transitional five-digit model with an aluminium bezel. Yet, as mentioned earlier, this example is indeed powered by the Cal. 3186, a robust self-winding GMT movement derived from the Cal. 3135 and equipped with an independently adjustable 24-hour hand. Collectors have even discovered a simple way to identify the earlier Cal. 3185: when adjusting the hour hand, the GMT hand on that movement tends to exhibit a slight “wiggle”, a quirk absent here, further confirming that this example houses the newer calibre. To travel with any GMT-Master on the wrist is to travel in style, combining practicality with that mid-century cool. As John Mayer once said, “The GMT-Master is the best contemporary watch that Rolex makes”, a sentiment I share because the GMT function remains one of the most practical modern-day complications. A quick glance tells you the time in another zone—something that never stops being useful, whether you’re crossing continents or conducting business abroad. It’s certainly faster than fumbling with your phone. Overall, what makes this particular example quietly remarkable is how it captures a defining moment in Rolex’s evolution. With its rare ‘stick dial’, final-generation aluminium bezel insert, and upgraded Cal. 3186, it sits squarely at the crossroads between vintage and modern GMT-Masters. It’s a watch that rewards those who appreciate subtle transitions and thoughtful intricacies—proof that sometimes, the smallest details tell the biggest stories.