Rolex
GMT-Master II
116718LN
Yellow gold gravitas with a two-timezone complication built to last.
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Overview
The Rolex GMT-Master II reference 116718LN represents the marque's flagship two-timezone wristwatch rendered in 18k yellow gold — a pairing that positions the tool-watch complication firmly within haute horlogerie territory. Powered by the in-house Calibre 3186, it offers an independently adjustable GMT hand alongside Rolex's Parachrom hairspring for enhanced resistance to shocks and magnetic fields. Produced across a notably long run from 2005 to 2019, the reference appeared in several dial variants, most memorably a deep black and a celebrated green "anniversary" configuration.
History
The GMT-Master lineage traces its origins to the 1950s, when Rolex developed the original GMT-Master in collaboration with Pan American World Airways as a navigator's instrument for tracking multiple time zones simultaneously. The GMT-Master II generation, introduced in 1983, refined the concept by allowing the local hour hand to be set independently of the GMT hand — a meaningful practical upgrade over its predecessor. Reference 116718LN entered the collection in 2005, succeeding earlier yellow-gold GMT-Master II references and carrying the line into the modern era with an updated movement and a black Cerachrom bezel insert. The reference remained in production for roughly fourteen years, a testament to its enduring appeal among collectors who prize the combination of precious metal and genuine horological function.
Notable points
- The case and bracelet are crafted entirely in 18k yellow gold, making the 116718LN one of the most opulent expressions of what began as a professional pilot's instrument.
- Calibre 3186 features a Parachrom hairspring in a proprietary paramagnetic alloy, offering improved resistance to magnetic fields and greater stability across temperature variations.
- The black Cerachrom bezel insert — a virtually scratch-proof ceramic — provides a striking tonal contrast against the warm yellow gold case.
- A green dial variant, often associated with the GMT-Master II's anniversary milestones, lent the reference particular desirability among collectors and helped sustain its profile throughout its long production run.
- At 40mm, the reference sits at the classic GMT-Master II diameter, preserving the proportions established over decades before the line later moved to 40mm as its standard.
