Rolex Submariner Ceramic Bezel Watch | replicawatches's Blog

I am a big fan of the Rolex GMT-Master, as well as the Rolex Submariner Ceramic Bezel, not only because it is one rock solid watch that has this neat capability of displaying multiple timezones (3 all in all, using the bezel), but also because of its history. If you have remembered, the historic Pan-Am GMT-Master models (with white dial) were initially given to the pilots of the said organization. Jake Ehrlich even believes it was the unofficial Moon Watch. I'm not certain if there is some truth into that label but this I know: the model was endeared to many NASA astronauts.

The sole disadvantage of this particular model is the clasp. It is just too flimsy, and once in a while, I have to bend (the upper part of the clasp) it a bit so it doesn't open too easily. While this model has never let me down, I don't want to wait for that incident to happen. The new GMT-Master, the ref.116710LN (pictured below, photo by JKWatchStore), has a way better clasp.

Another wonderful feature about this new GMT-Master II, is that the bezel rotates 'per hour' rather than per minute. This is made possible by the utilization of a bearing that has a spring that clicks from teeth to teeth.

Here's more: the new Rolex GMT-Master II uses not a twinlock crown, but a triplock crown. Since the smaller twinlock crown looks awkward for some people, then the triplock crown becomes more appealing - because of the extra WR measure inside the crown. On a personal point of view, I also used to think the twinlock crown was a bit too tiny, but in fact, it is much more comfortable compared to the triplock crown. It does not poke around in your wrist, as the triplock does on my Sea-Dweller and Yacht-Master.

Anyway, aside from those mentioned earlier (and then I still did not mention the polished center links, maxi dial and the parachrom blu hairspring), one of the most significant modifications to this classic, is the ceramic bezel. Anything ceramic is a product of heating and subsequent cooling. It's a light weight, scratch resistant and most importantly, durable material. Thus, what makes the GMT-Master 116710LN a real standout is its shiny look and smooth feel.

Remember, however, that the black ceramic has small spots - it's not because of dust or dirt, it's structural. The material is the same as the inlay of the Yacht-Master ref. 16622, as demonstrated in the '6 and '16 on the Rolex Submariner Ceramic Bezel. And that is right, the numbers on the ceramic bezel are made from platinum. Applied to the bezel using the techniques of PVD.