At the Basel show in 2007 Rolex released the new GMT Master 2 (116710) with a some significant updates. The updates included the Ceramic bezel with platinum inlaid markings, larger Super Luminova markers, a green GMT hand, a slightly larger case, bracelet with solid links, the updated clasp system and the 3186 movement with the Parachrom hairspring. Basically the same concept as the previous GMT 16710 model, but with new and improved materials. However the 3186 GMT movement did not only come in the newer 116710 it actually made it into some of the last run of the (M serial) 16710 models. Yes, you read that correctly. There are a few (non disclosed amount) 16710 GMT Master 2 watches with the 3186 movement inside with the parachrom hairspring. And of course you will never know if the watch has the 3185 or the 3186 unless you open the back of the watch. I will talk more on this topic later in the post.
This opens up the door for further discovery of another transitional change to the 16710 model. The "Error Dial" from approximately 2002 (Y serial) there has been sightings of the Error Dial. Take a look at the pictures below for the differences between the error and non error dial.
Above is a 16710 from 2004 (F Serial) with the "Error Dial" Notice after the lettering GMT-MASTER II the 2 is not a roman numeral 2 as it has been since the release of the 16710. It is what Rolex aficionados and collectors call "sticks."
This picture is of a 2002 Rolex GMT-MASTER II with the number 2 being the roman numeral style 2. The bezel color does not actually have any part in the error or non error dial as they have been spotted on the all 16710 watches with either the all black, black/red "Coke" and the black/blue "Pepsi" bezel inserts.
This is a close up photo of the GMT-MASTER 2 16710 "Error Dial" with the "Sticks" instead of the roman numeral 2. Also notice the "fatter" font type on the error dial.
This is a close up photo of the GMT-MASTER 2 16710 with the standard roman numeral 2 on the dial.
So why is the "Error Dial" called the error dial? Great question. From all of the research I have done I have not found a statement from Rolex that this was an actual error on their part. Since this dial was a transition towards the end of the 16710 model run, it would appear to be a subtle change to the dial printing. However it could turn out to be the "Patrizi" dial like the mid 1990's Rolex Daytona models. It will be interesting in the future to see if this will be a true sought after collector piece. At the moment if an error dial is on the market it does seem to bring a 10%-15% premium over the standard dials. If you do find a 16710 GMT-MASTER II with an "Error Dial" and the 3186 movement inside, be sure to contact me as I would be interested in hearing about it along with possibly acquiring the watch as well.
