Short answer
Rolex never made a reference 116710LNR. The real model is the 116710LN, a GMT-Master II with a black ceramic bezel. Rolex built it from 2007 to 2019. Replica versions exist and are counterfeit goods. Trafficking in them is a federal crime in the United States under 18 U.S.C. 2320.
What the 116710LN is
The 116710LN replaced the 16710 in 2007. The letters LN stand for lunette noire, French for black bezel. Core specs:
- Case: 40 mm Oystersteel, 904L alloy, about 12.5 mm thick
- Bezel: fixed Cerachrom ceramic insert with a 24-hour scale
- Movement: calibre 3186, automatic, 48-hour power reserve, Parachrom hairspring
- Dial: black, green GMT arrow hand, green GMT-MASTER II text
- Bracelet: Oyster with polished center links and a 5 mm Easylink extension
- Water resistance: 100 m
The 3186 lets the wearer move the 24-hour hand on its own while the watch runs. That is the point of a GMT watch: a second time zone at a glance.
Reference codes behind the LNR search
Rolex built two steel 116710 versions:
- 116710LN: black bezel, 2007 to 2019
- 116710BLNR: blue and black bezel, 2013 to 2019
The steel red and blue GMT is the 126710BLRO, launched in 2018. There is no 116710BLRO and no 116710LNR. The mistyped code shows up in auction text, forum posts, and reseller listings.
How replica 116710LN watches differ
A replica copies the outside of the watch and nothing else. Points of difference:
- Movement: no Rolex calibre 3186. Builds use third-party automatic movements, so the 24-hour hand function may not match the original.
- Case: 316L stainless steel in most builds, not 904L. Weight runs lighter than a genuine watch.
- Bezel: ceramic inserts vary in color and finish. Some discolor with UV exposure.
- Bracelet: hollow center links on cheap builds. End link fit is loose.
- Finishing: plated gold on two-tone copies, not solid gold.
Legal status in the US
18 U.S.C. 2320 covers trafficking in counterfeit goods. A first offense carries up to 10 years in prison and a $2,000,000 fine. 19 U.S.C. 1526 bars import of goods with a counterfeit trademark, and CBP seizes watches at ports of entry. Selling a replica as a Rolex is fraud. Selling it as a replica is still trademark infringement.
Service and resale
Rolex service centers do not work on replicas and do not authenticate them. An independent watchmaker can swap a third-party movement, but parts do not come from Rolex. Resale value sits near zero. Genuine 116710LN examples sell above the final US retail price of about $8,450, and box and papers add to the price.
Checks that separate a 116710LN from a replica
- Case back: plain steel, no engraving on a Rolex GMT-Master II.
- Date window: cyclops lens at 2.5x magnification.
- Movement: 3186 markings and a blue Parachrom hairspring on genuine examples.
- Weight: 904L steel is denser than 316L.
- Bezel: Cerachrom has a matte surface with filled numerals.
No serial number lookup confirms a replica as real. Rolex keeps no public serial database, and service records are the accepted proof of a genuine watch.