The movement inside the 116710 replaced the previous generation Cal. 3185, which had been in use since the late 1980s, and in fact, the two movements are almost identical. The main reason for the change in movement numbering is a slight update of the jumping mechanism and the introduction of Rolex’s proprietary blue Parachrom hairspring, replacing the Nivarox version in Cal. 3185. 3185. Parachrom, an alloy of zirconium and niobium with a blue oxide coating, is touted as being completely antimagnetic and virtually impervious to temperature changes, while also being about 10 times more resistant to shocks. It first appeared in the current line of Daytona’s 4130 calibers and has now been extended to almost the entire replica Rolex movement range, the only exceptions being some smaller movements with Syloxi hairsprings.
Another distinctive feature of the 3186 movements is that the wheels of its drive train have been moved closer together. This eliminates the tiny wobble you could see in the older GMT hands when adjusting the main hour hand, leaving the entire system completely intact compared to the Cal. 3185. The core construction of both movements is based on the legendary Cal. 3135 which is the longest-running and most widely used movement ever made.
Another change, and one that is sometimes overlooked, is the Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 116710LN with its modernized bracelet. The model was released on a three-link Oyster strap – the sportiest and least formal of Rolex’s various metal strap options. However, the Ref. 116710LN was created at a time when fake Rolex was striving to improve the overall quality of its bracelets, an area in which it had been mildly criticized in the past.
Featuring links with highly polished centers, the Oyster bracelet is now entirely solid, thus ensuring solid weight and resilience, and the new design also introduces the patented Easylink extension on the clasp. Rolex’s Easylink system allows for a 5 mm extension that is completely at your disposal and requires no tools. This means that the bracelet can be adjusted throughout the day to compensate for natural fluctuations in wrist size caused by factors such as ambient temperature and humidity.
The Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 116710LN is the last example of Rolex’s legendary pilot’s watch to be released with a single color bezel. As such, the ref. 116710LN is one of the most attractive targets for collectors today, who are attracted not only by its rugged, understated aesthetics or its truly useful complications but also by its future investment potential. With its all-black Cerachrom bezel and green GMT hand, the 116710LN doesn’t look like any other GMT-Master II replica watch, and that’s exactly why it could be the next big thing.
