Review of the Rolex 116710 BLNR GMT-Master II

[beshannon]

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.