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beshannon · 14 July 2015, 01:02 AM

Is a watch collection ever complete?

Since acquiring my Patek 5711 two years ago, I have enjoyed great satisfaction with my watch collection. What used to be a burning desire to always have more, turned to simple happiness with my smaller rotation of higher quality watches. My Patek for daily wear, my Daytona for weekends along with my Sub, my Lange for special occasions and dress. My Speedmaster for history, my Breitling for diving and snorkeling, my JLC Reverso for classy nights out.

Some of my friends asked why I had not yet bought an Apple watch? Others say “just use your cell phone”. I began to wonder what else I wanted in my collection as I seemingly have what makes me happy.

I had an old Citizen GMT watch in my collection, very nice watch, very simple and not a true GMT. I passed it to my son and he in turn passed it to someone else. As I near retirement and my wife and I have increased our desire to travel, I began to ponder getting another GMT as the single piece I am missing that I can actually use.

I began my research as I always do, pictures, reviews, forums . . . and I began to really like the idea of a one watch travel solution. I am used to taking multiple watches with me on travel and I wondered if I could learn to take just one for everything?

Baselworld 2013, a new GMT is introduced from Rolex. I immediately love the bi-color bezel. Blue is my favorite color and the original GMT-Master II looked too much like my Submariner. In 2013 I am already convinced I am getting my Patek 5711 but happen into the Rolex Boutique and see the BLNR and try it on. Wow! Very nice, I try not to get distracted, I traveled a long road to get my Nautilus by saving and selling. However, the image of the BLNR on my wrist never left me as I kept the picture on my cell phone.

Fast forward two years later and I find myself ready to add another piece to my collection. The BLNR is at the top of my list although the Planet Ocean GMT and the Breitling Avenger II GMT are on my radar. Other GMT pieces on straps (JLC) won’t do as water, sweat and stress will be part of my travel regimen.

Wait, who am I kidding, I just like to look at watches and the Rolex is the hands down obvious choice. It ticks all the boxes for me, size, weight, functions, color, durability, looks . . .

I look at the other pieces and don’t waver, the BLNR it is. I like to be prepared so I call my friend at the Rolex Boutique and he sets one aside for me. I will pick it up in a few weeks. Ah vacation, sun, sand and a new Rolex. But wait, what is this? A new five year warranty after July 1st? Guess I need to wait and my wait will be until July 2nd as I am already going sailing on July 1st. No matter I can stare at the pictures of others on TRF and enjoy my vacation. Wanting the days of vacation to go by faster is NOT much fun!

July 2nd dawns a bright sunny day, time to pick up my new beauty. Hmm, 10:00 am and the Boutique is not open yet?

No one answers the phone?

Ok, island time, they will be open soon. 10:30 am? My stomach starts to churn.

I call, they will be open in about 15 minutes. Phew, ok calm down, I can start drinking now, it is vacation after all.

The doors open and I walk into the store, they have my BLNR waiting for me and I feel like I am on cloud nine! They were delayed opening by the warranty change over with all the new hang tags and warranty cards that arrived at 4:00 pm July 1st.

Beautiful, stunning, even better in the light! Functional for my every need, I can travel, snorkel, sail, hike, go out to dinner, this piece can do it all. The hidden warranty card in the top of the box threw me as I thought they had not given it to me. The new cards are registered in their terminal upon purchase, very cool.

I like the PCL’s and do not worry about scratches, signs of wear make me happy. While I agree it takes away from the tool watch factor, for me it adds the versatility of wear in multiple situations.

The first try on and I am glad my wrist has not gotten any smaller. The Omega and the Breitling were both larger, the Planet Ocean GMT was huge actually and not wearable for me. Beautiful watch but 40mm suits me best at this point.

The easy link is great for quick adjustments, the dial very readable, even at a glance. The bezel moves smoothly in one hour increments forward or back so tracking three time zones is possible. At the moment I have mine set up for two time zones, local time and GMT time (London). I may switch to three at some point.

The lume is fantastic, the blue glow adds to the cool factor for me. The markers are large and the lume glows brightly after a little light exposure, the lume can even be seen in moderate light or shade and contrasts nicely with the black dial on the watch.

Timekeeping so far is +2 seconds per day, solid performance. I am so happy with the latest addition to my collection. The BLNR makes a great addition to my collection and will soon sit next to my Daytona in my watch display case.

The profile is great, the watch sits well on my wrist and looks larger than the 40mm due to the large numbered bezel. Although heavier than my Patek 5711 it is still a great feel and fit for my wrist which is now at 6 5/8”. I needed one link out and I moved the small pin adjustment out all the way so that the easy link works perfectly in either position depending on temperature and humidity. The crown feels solid and appears large, I have not measured it but it is not out of place with the rest of the watch.

Without making this sound like I love everything about the watch, I am still not a fan of the cyclops. I may learn to love it like the rest of the watch but for the moment I tolerate it as a non-symmetrical bubble on the crystal. Also glare proofing the crystal would be a nice touch but that is a small issue.

The bracelet is fantastic and I have seen the pictures from Loevhagen and his fantastic jubilee combo. If anything needed to push this over the top for me, the jubilee on the BLNR was it. I may attempt to source one someday but at the moment I am very happy with the stock oyster bracelet.

The BLNR will be at home anywhere. I feel like I have added to the quality of my collection while accomplishing the goal of a one watch travel solution that will track time zones as I increase my travels, hopefully to Europe and other places soon.

Thanks for reading. Before anyone asks if they should get one, without any doubt the answer is YES!

Is my collection complete? I have told my wife I am done and that I am happy. Do I believe that? Well I am not sure, never say never but I cannot think of anything else I need or want except more time to wear and enjoy what I have. Does she believe that? NO!

Finally, ask nicely and you might get a little something from your AD!

Again, thanks for reading, I will update along the way.

Pattyb69 · 14 July 2015, 01:57 AM

Great review! Sometimes I wish I never let the BLNR go, but I'm sure I'll get another one down the road. One of those catch, release, and catch again pieces for me lol

Urosfan · 14 July 2015, 07:33 AM

Nice revie

joe100 · 14 July 2015, 09:40 AM

Some great photos there

TheMethod · 14 July 2015, 02:36 PM

Nice review and photos.

Andad · 14 July 2015, 03:01 PM

Excellent review Brian and quality pix.

Enjoy wearing it.

beshannon · 14 July 2015, 09:35 PM

Thanks everyone!

watchstudent · 15 July 2015, 03:42 AM

Great little review. Made the stupid decision of trying one of these on the other day, now its all I can think about. One day!

liuk3 · 15 July 2015, 04:33 AM

Nice review. I think that it does run a nice spectrum. A sport watch with a little bit of color for fun and casual dress, yet PCLs give a little shine if desire to wear in a more formal or professional environment. Congratulations!

GhostWriter · 15 July 2015, 04:46 AM

Nice write up. It's one of the most versatile in the Rolex line up. Wear it and enjoy it!!

brandrea · 15 July 2015, 05:15 AM

Great review, enjoy

toneafficianado · 15 July 2015, 05:31 AM

Great reading! I loved your enthusiasm. Congrats!

Eddie Smith · 15 July 2015, 10:13 AM

I have been on the fence with deciding on either the BLNR or the GMT II 116710LN...I appreciate your review and pictures...helps me out.

RogerF · 15 July 2015, 10:22 AM

Love it! Soon......

Psmith · 19 July 2015, 08:39 PM

antbkny · 19 July 2015, 09:17 PM

Great write up, enjoy your new watch!

SUB14 · 19 July 2015, 09:25 PM

Great pictures and nice review, thanks for sharing!

ProjectIntegra · 20 July 2015, 07:32 AM

Great detailed review. Thank you

Santiago79 · 22 July 2015, 06:28 AM

Very nice review!!!!! thanks so much for sharing that info

blah114 · 24 July 2015, 05:42 AM

I love this watch, but bought a panerai instead. I do still adore the BLNR. are you keeping your GMT time set to actual GMT.. or another timezone.. I am posing this to anyone whom cares to chime in. I use my GMT function for true GMT time.

beshannon · 24 July 2015, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blah114

I love this watch, but bought a panerai instead. I do still adore the BLNR. are you keeping your GMT time set to actual GMT.. or another timezone.. I am posing this to anyone whom cares to chime in. I use my GMT function for true GMT time.

My GMT hand is set to London and my local hour hand is set to +4 (DST) at the moment.

sea-dweller · 24 July 2015, 11:16 AM

Great photos and review!

Runfar · 24 July 2015, 12:13 PM

Very nice and love the photos thanks! Done? You
So are not done!!!

sechsgang · 26 July 2015, 01:51 AM

As mentioned on another forum, we've got the same taste. My BLNR gets more wrist time than any of my others...just ticks all the boxes.

travisb · 30 July 2015, 07:53 PM

Enjoyed reading it Brian. Congrats again!

Cru Jones · 4 August 2015, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travisb

Enjoyed reading it Brian. Congrats again!

x2!

Discovery · 9 August 2015, 08:31 PM

Wow.... Nice reading and there are really beautiful pictures here... Thanks for sharing....

cadillacofwatches · 10 August 2015, 12:57 AM

Nice pictures and interesting read. Thanks for sharing this with us.

watchwatcher · 12 August 2015, 01:32 AM

Enjoyed the review and great pics. Thanks so much.

Blubarb · 13 August 2015, 09:38 AM

Great write up. Have mine lined up in the sights and will pull the trigger within the next two hours AST.

14 July 2015, 01:02 AM	#1
beshannon "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Brian Location: Northern Virginia Watch: One of Not Many Posts: 17,892	Review of the Rolex 116710 BLNR GMT-Master II Is a watch collection ever complete? Since acquiring my Patek 5711 two years ago, I have enjoyed great satisfaction with my watch collection. What used to be a burning desire to always have more, turned to simple happiness with my smaller rotation of higher quality watches. My Patek for daily wear, my Daytona for weekends along with my Sub, my Lange for special occasions and dress. My Speedmaster for history, my Breitling for diving and snorkeling, my JLC Reverso for classy nights out. Some of my friends asked why I had not yet bought an Apple watch? Others say “just use your cell phone”. I began to wonder what else I wanted in my collection as I seemingly have what makes me happy. I had an old Citizen GMT watch in my collection, very nice watch, very simple and not a true GMT. I passed it to my son and he in turn passed it to someone else. As I near retirement and my wife and I have increased our desire to travel, I began to ponder getting another GMT as the single piece I am missing that I can actually use. I began my research as I always do, pictures, reviews, forums . . . and I began to really like the idea of a one watch travel solution. I am used to taking multiple watches with me on travel and I wondered if I could learn to take just one for everything? Baselworld 2013, a new GMT is introduced from Rolex. I immediately love the bi-color bezel. Blue is my favorite color and the original GMT-Master II looked too much like my Submariner. In 2013 I am already convinced I am getting my Patek 5711 but happen into the Rolex Boutique and see the BLNR and try it on. Wow! Very nice, I try not to get distracted, I traveled a long road to get my Nautilus by saving and selling. However, the image of the BLNR on my wrist never left me as I kept the picture on my cell phone. Fast forward two years later and I find myself ready to add another piece to my collection. The BLNR is at the top of my list although the Planet Ocean GMT and the Breitling Avenger II GMT are on my radar. Other GMT pieces on straps (JLC) won’t do as water, sweat and stress will be part of my travel regimen. Wait, who am I kidding, I just like to look at watches and the Rolex is the hands down obvious choice. It ticks all the boxes for me, size, weight, functions, color, durability, looks . . . I look at the other pieces and don’t waver, the BLNR it is. I like to be prepared so I call my friend at the Rolex Boutique and he sets one aside for me. I will pick it up in a few weeks. Ah vacation, sun, sand and a new Rolex. But wait, what is this? A new five year warranty after July 1st? Guess I need to wait and my wait will be until July 2nd as I am already going sailing on July 1st. No matter I can stare at the pictures of others on TRF and enjoy my vacation. Wanting the days of vacation to go by faster is NOT much fun! July 2nd dawns a bright sunny day, time to pick up my new beauty. Hmm, 10:00 am and the Boutique is not open yet? No one answers the phone? Ok, island time, they will be open soon. 10:30 am? My stomach starts to churn. I call, they will be open in about 15 minutes. Phew, ok calm down, I can start drinking now, it is vacation after all. The doors open and I walk into the store, they have my BLNR waiting for me and I feel like I am on cloud nine! They were delayed opening by the warranty change over with all the new hang tags and warranty cards that arrived at 4:00 pm July 1st. Beautiful, stunning, even better in the light! Functional for my every need, I can travel, snorkel, sail, hike, go out to dinner, this piece can do it all. The hidden warranty card in the top of the box threw me as I thought they had not given it to me. The new cards are registered in their terminal upon purchase, very cool. I like the PCL’s and do not worry about scratches, signs of wear make me happy. While I agree it takes away from the tool watch factor, for me it adds the versatility of wear in multiple situations. The first try on and I am glad my wrist has not gotten any smaller. The Omega and the Breitling were both larger, the Planet Ocean GMT was huge actually and not wearable for me. Beautiful watch but 40mm suits me best at this point. The easy link is great for quick adjustments, the dial very readable, even at a glance. The bezel moves smoothly in one hour increments forward or back so tracking three time zones is possible. At the moment I have mine set up for two time zones, local time and GMT time (London). I may switch to three at some point. The lume is fantastic, the blue glow adds to the cool factor for me. The markers are large and the lume glows brightly after a little light exposure, the lume can even be seen in moderate light or shade and contrasts nicely with the black dial on the watch. Timekeeping so far is +2 seconds per day, solid performance. I am so happy with the latest addition to my collection. The BLNR makes a great addition to my collection and will soon sit next to my Daytona in my watch display case. The profile is great, the watch sits well on my wrist and looks larger than the 40mm due to the large numbered bezel. Although heavier than my Patek 5711 it is still a great feel and fit for my wrist which is now at 6 5/8”. I needed one link out and I moved the small pin adjustment out all the way so that the easy link works perfectly in either position depending on temperature and humidity. The crown feels solid and appears large, I have not measured it but it is not out of place with the rest of the watch. Without making this sound like I love everything about the watch, I am still not a fan of the cyclops. I may learn to love it like the rest of the watch but for the moment I tolerate it as a non-symmetrical bubble on the crystal. Also glare proofing the crystal would be a nice touch but that is a small issue. The bracelet is fantastic and I have seen the pictures from Loevhagen and his fantastic jubilee combo. If anything needed to push this over the top for me, the jubilee on the BLNR was it. I may attempt to source one someday but at the moment I am very happy with the stock oyster bracelet. The BLNR will be at home anywhere. I feel like I have added to the quality of my collection while accomplishing the goal of a one watch travel solution that will track time zones as I increase my travels, hopefully to Europe and other places soon. Thanks for reading. Before anyone asks if they should get one, without any doubt the answer is YES! Is my collection complete? I have told my wife I am done and that I am happy. Do I believe that? Well I am not sure, never say never but I cannot think of anything else I need or want except more time to wear and enjoy what I have. Does she believe that? NO! Finally, ask nicely and you might get a little something from your AD! Again, thanks for reading, I will update along the way. __________________ IWC Portugieser 7 Day, Omega Seamaster SMP300m, Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar, Glashutte PanoInverse, Glashutte SeaQ Panorama Date, Omega Aqua Terra 150, Omega CK 859, Omega Speedmaster 3861 Moonwatch, Breitling Superocean Steelfish, JLC Atmos Transparent Clock

14 July 2015, 09:40 AM	#4
joe100 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Joe Location: New Mexico Watch: Explorer Posts: 12,838	Some great photos there __________________ It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy. -TRF Member 6982-

14 July 2015, 03:01 PM	#6
Andad 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 37,475	Excellent review Brian and quality pix. Enjoy wearing it. __________________ E

14 July 2015, 09:35 PM	#7
beshannon "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Brian Location: Northern Virginia Watch: One of Not Many Posts: 17,892	Thanks everyone! __________________ IWC Portugieser 7 Day, Omega Seamaster SMP300m, Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar, Glashutte PanoInverse, Glashutte SeaQ Panorama Date, Omega Aqua Terra 150, Omega CK 859, Omega Speedmaster 3861 Moonwatch, Breitling Superocean Steelfish, JLC Atmos Transparent Clock

15 July 2015, 04:33 AM	#9
liuk3 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 3,354	Review of the Rolex 116710 BLNR GMT-Master II Nice review. I think that it does run a nice spectrum. A sport watch with a little bit of color for fun and casual dress, yet PCLs give a little shine if desire to wear in a more formal or professional environment. Congratulations! __________________ "Appreciate your life!"

14 July 2015, 01:57 AM	#2
Pattyb69 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: CT Watch: BLNR\|LVC\|PAM 911 Posts: 1,085	Great review! Sometimes I wish I never let the BLNR go, but I'm sure I'll get another one down the road. One of those catch, release, and catch again pieces for me lol

14 July 2015, 07:33 AM	#3
Urosfan "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: NYC Watch: Me now Posts: 19,372	Nice revie

14 July 2015, 02:36 PM	#5
TheMethod "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Atlanta, GA Watch: Rolex, AP, GS, JLC Posts: 790	Nice review and photos.

15 July 2015, 03:42 AM	#8
watchstudent "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: SW England Watch: Sub and a Speedy Posts: 368	Great little review. Made the stupid decision of trying one of these on the other day, now its all I can think about. One day!

15 July 2015, 04:46 AM	#10
GhostWriter "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Real Name: Darrin Location: All Along The Watch: tower Posts: 197	Nice write up. It's one of the most versatile in the Rolex line up. Wear it and enjoy it!!

15 July 2015, 05:15 AM	#11
brandrea 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Brian (TBone) Location: canada Watch: es make me smile Posts: 77,758	Great review, enjoy

15 July 2015, 05:31 AM	#12
toneafficianado 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Real Name: Alan Location: Australia Posts: 2,204	Great reading! I loved your enthusiasm. Congrats!

15 July 2015, 10:13 AM	#13
Eddie Smith 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Real Name: Eddie Location: USA-New Mexico Watch: Rolex Sub C Posts: 98	I have been on the fence with deciding on either the BLNR or the GMT II 116710LN...I appreciate your review and pictures...helps me out.

15 July 2015, 10:22 AM	#14
RogerF "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Real Name: Duh! Location: Toronto Canada Watch: a gonna do? Posts: 2,573	Love it! Soon...... __________________ CURRENT LINE UP. 16233 16600 116710BLNR 116500 116610 126710BLRO 126600 116600 (finally)

19 July 2015, 08:39 PM	#15
Psmith "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Clive Location: Exoplanet Watch: spring-driven Posts: 38,856	__________________

19 July 2015, 09:17 PM	#16
antbkny "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Real Name: Anthony Location: Brooklyn, NY Watch: Dblue Posts: 6,723	Great write up, enjoy your new watch!

19 July 2015, 09:25 PM	#17
SUB14 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Real Name: Danny Location: 127.0.0.1 Posts: 153	Great pictures and nice review, thanks for sharing!

20 July 2015, 07:32 AM	#18
ProjectIntegra "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: California Posts: 4	Great detailed review. Thank you

22 July 2015, 06:28 AM	#19
Santiago79 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: USA Watch: Rolex Submariner a Posts: 467	Very nice review!!!!! thanks so much for sharing that info

24 July 2015, 05:42 AM	#20
blah114 Banned Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Here. Watch: iPhone Posts: 470	I love this watch, but bought a panerai instead. I do still adore the BLNR. are you keeping your GMT time set to actual GMT.. or another timezone.. I am posing this to anyone whom cares to chime in. I use my GMT function for true GMT time.

24 July 2015, 11:16 AM	#22
sea-dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Dennis Location: Bay Area - 925 Posts: 40,018	Great photos and review! __________________ TRF Member #6699 (since September 2007)

24 July 2015, 12:13 PM	#23
Runfar "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Colorado Posts: 348	Very nice and love the photos thanks! Done? You So are not done!!!

26 July 2015, 01:51 AM	#24
sechsgang "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 1,448	As mentioned on another forum, we've got the same taste. My BLNR gets more wrist time than any of my others...just ticks all the boxes.

30 July 2015, 07:53 PM	#25
travisb 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Travis Location: FL / NYC Watch: Yes.. Posts: 33,409	Enjoyed reading it Brian. Congrats again!

9 August 2015, 08:31 PM	#27
Discovery "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: Indonesia Posts: 1	Wow.... Nice reading and there are really beautiful pictures here... Thanks for sharing....

10 August 2015, 12:57 AM	#28
cadillacofwatches "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Real Name: David Location: KY Watch: Omega GMT cal.8506 Posts: 111	Nice pictures and interesting read. Thanks for sharing this with us.

12 August 2015, 01:32 AM	#29
watchwatcher "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Larry Location: Kentucky Watch: Yes Posts: 34,999	Enjoyed the review and great pics. Thanks so much.

13 August 2015, 09:38 AM	#30
Blubarb 2018 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Down and left Posts: 144	Great write up. Have mine lined up in the sights and will pull the trigger within the next two hours AST.

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