Pre-Owned Rolex GMT-Master II in Athens

Buying a Pre-Owned GMT-Master II in Athens

Start with the reference, because each generation has its own weak points. The 16760, made from 1982 to 1988 and nicknamed "Fat Lady" for its thicker case, and the 16710 of 1989 to 2007 both wear aluminium bezel inserts. On these, an evenly faded original insert counts in the watch's favour, while a service or aftermarket replacement lowers collectibility. The 16710 was made in large numbers, so it is also where franken-watches turn up, with dial, case and movement from different eras.

The first Cerachrom insert arrived in 2005 on the 18k yellow gold 116718LN. The steel 116710 family followed, made from 2007 to 2019, with calibre 3186 and an Oyster bracelet only. From 2018 the 126xxx references moved to calibre 3285, with about 70 hours of power reserve against 48 for the 3186. Pepsi, Batman, Sprite and Bruce Wayne are collector nicknames, not Rolex names, so buy on the reference and check it against the watch. In Athens you can do that in hand, at a private viewing in Pangrati by appointment.

• Test the GMT function. With the crown pulled to the time-zone position, the local hour hand should jump in one-hour steps while the other hands keep running, and the date should follow it. If the local hour hand cannot be moved on its own, you are holding an older GMT-Master, not a II.
• Match the reference to its configuration. A 116710LN has an all-black bezel and a green 24-hour hand, a 116710BLNR has a blue and black bezel with a blue 24-hour hand, and only the 126720VTNR and 126729VTNR carry the crown on the left and the date at 9 o'clock.
• Match the calibre to the reference: 3085 in the 16760, 3185 in the 16710 (3186 in late Z- and M-serial pieces), 3186 in the 116710 and 3285 in the 126xxx. A full wind should run about 48 hours on a 3186 and about 70 on a 3285.
• On a two-colour ceramic bezel, the insert should be a single piece of ceramic with moulded numerals and no seam where the two colours meet. Cerachrom resists scratches, but check it for chips or cracks from a hard knock.

Rolex GMT-Master II Questions

What is the Rolex GMT-Master II "Bruce Wayne"?

"Bruce Wayne" is the collector nickname for the Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 126710GRNR, introduced in 2024 with a grey and black bezel. Rolex does not use the name. Like the other 126xxx references, it runs on calibre 3285 with about 70 hours of power reserve. Check that the reference engraved on the case and the warranty card both read 126710GRNR.

Does a pre-owned GMT-Master II still carry the Rolex guarantee?

Buying a pre-owned GMT-Master II from us adds no Rolex guarantee. The five-year Rolex guarantee covers watches bought new from an Official Rolex Retailer and runs from the purchase date on the warranty card, so check that date before you buy. We are an independent dealer, not an Official Rolex Retailer.

Before you choose a reference, read our GMT-Master II buying guide and our note on the 126710GRNR "Bruce Wayne", or start with how we sell a used Rolex in Athens. If you are selling or trading in, see how we buy a Rolex in Athens, and for service with original parts and a written 2-year warranty, visit our watch workshop.