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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex 116718LN GMT-Master}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex 116718LN GMT-Master}}
{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex GMT-Master 116718LN (2005–2019) — Production & Dial Guide | Rolexopedia
|title=Rolex GMT-Master 116718LN (2005–2019), Production & Dial Guide | Rolexopedia
|description=The 116718LN is the reference that brought ceramic to the GMT-Master II. Rolex launched it at Baselworld 2005 to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the…
|description=The 116718LN is the first GMT-Master II reference with a Cerachrom bezel. Rolex introduced it in yellow gold in 2005 for the GMT-Master's 50th anniversary.
|keywords=Rolex, 116718LN, GMT-Master, specifications, reference guide
|keywords=Rolex, 116718LN, GMT-Master, specifications, reference guide
|image=Ref 116718LN hero.jpg
|image=Ref 116718LN hero.webp
|image_alt=18k gold GMT, Cerachrom bezel
|image_alt=18k gold GMT, Cerachrom bezel
|type=Article
|type=Article
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<small>[[Reference:gmt-master|GMT-Master]] › '''116718LN'''</small>
<small>[[Reference:gmt-master|GMT-Master]] › '''116718LN'''</small>


The 116718LN brought ceramic to the GMT-Master II. Rolex launched it at Baselworld 2005 in solid yellow gold, with a black Cerachrom bezel and the new caliber 3186, and kept it in the catalogue until 2019. Steel and two-tone versions of the same package followed later, which means the most important bezel-material change of the 2000s arrived on a gold watch.
<div class="rp-lead">
[[File:Ref 116718LN hero.webp|thumb|center|640px|alt=Rolex 116718LN GMT-Master, green anniversary dial|Rolex 116718LN GMT-Master, green anniversary dial]]
</div>
 
The 116718LN is the first GMT-Master II reference with a Cerachrom bezel. Rolex introduced the solid-yellow-gold model in 2005 for the GMT-Master's 50th anniversary; the two-tone and steel ceramic references followed in 2006 and 2007. The reference disappeared as Rolex moved to the next GMT-Master II generation in the 2019 catalogue cycle.


<span id="core-facts"></span>
<span id="core-facts"></span>


[[File:Ref 116718LN hero.jpg|thumb|right|250px|alt=18k gold GMT, Cerachrom bezel|18k gold GMT, Cerachrom bezel]]
==Core facts==
 
== Core facts ==


{| class="wikitable rp-facts"
{| class="wikitable rp-facts"
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|-
|-
| production
| production
| 2005-2019
| 2005-2019 catalogue period; published movement records run through 2018
|-
|-
| movement
| movement
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== Where it sits in the line ==
== Where it sits in the line ==


[[File:Ref 116718LN variant-monochrome-lineage.jpg|thumb|right|300px|alt=Position in the Cerachrom lineage|Position in the Cerachrom lineage]]
The 116718LN opens the six-digit ceramic GMT-Master II family. The two-tone [[Reference:116713LN|116713LN]] arrived in 2006 and the steel [[Reference:116710LN|116710LN]] in 2007, so for the first two years of the Cerachrom era the only ceramic-bezel GMT-Master II Rolex had introduced was solid yellow gold.


The 116718LN opens the modern-ceramic GMT-Master II family and sits at the top of it. The two-tone [[Reference:116713LN|116713LN]] arrived in 2006 and the steel [[Reference:116710LN|116710LN]] in 2007, so for the first two years of the Cerachrom era the only ceramic-bezel GMT-Master II Rolex sold was solid yellow gold.
It replaces the aluminium-bezel [[Reference:16718|16718]], the five-digit yellow-gold GMT-Master II that had run since 1988. Rolex retired the 116718LN as the 116710 generation gave way to the 126710 case family in 2019. Solid yellow gold returned to the ceramic GMT-Master II line with the [[Reference:126718GRNR|126718GRNR]] at Watches and Wonders 2023.
 
It replaces the aluminium-bezel [[Reference:16718|16718]], the five-digit yellow-gold GMT-Master II that had run since 1988. Nothing replaced it in turn. When Rolex retired the 116718LN in 2019 alongside the steel 116710LN and 116710BLNR, it withdrew yellow gold from the ceramic GMT-Master II line entirely, and yellow gold stayed out until the [[Reference:126718GRNR|126718GRNR]] at Watches and Wonders 2023.


<span id="production-outline"></span>
<span id="production-outline"></span>
== Production outline ==
== Production outline ==


Production runs from 2005 through 2019. The debut coincided with the GMT-Master line's fiftieth anniversary, a framing Christie's catalogue copy for later-year lots repeats. Discontinuation came at the 2019 Baselworld that also retired the 116710LN and 116710BLNR, when Rolex cleared out the 116710 generation in favour of the slimmer 126710 case.
Published examples and Rolex's historical movement sheet run through 2018, while reference tables commonly use 2019 for the catalogue end. The debut coincided with the GMT-Master line's fiftieth anniversary. Rolex publishes no production total or split between the black and green dials.


Two dial variants ran in parallel across that fourteen-year window, black and green. Rolex publishes no split between them.
The documented dial branches are black and green. The sources do not establish their production split or a precise end date for either dial.


<span id="movement-notes"></span>
<span id="movement-notes"></span>
== Movement notes ==
== Movement notes ==


Caliber 3186 runs the 116718LN across its documented production life. The movement debuted here at Baselworld 2005, which makes this the first Rolex watch to carry it, and it brought the blue Parachrom hairspring, a revised GMT wheel, and Paraflex shock protection to the independent-hour-hand architecture. Sotheby's 2019 lot for the Anniversary Green gives 28,800 bph and a 50-hour power reserve on a 2005-production example.
Caliber 3186 is the movement documented in the 116718LN examples cited here. Phillips describes it as the movement first introduced in the yellow-gold 116718LN at Baselworld 2005; late five-digit 16710 examples also received 3186, so “first Rolex watch” is too broad. The calibre brought Rolex's blue Parachrom hairspring and the revised GMT mechanism used in this generation. Sotheby's 2019 lot for an Anniversary Green gives 28,800 beats per hour and a 50-hour power reserve for its 2005-production example.


No documented example carries the earlier caliber 3185. Sotheby's lot records and Christie's catalogue copy both give 3186 as the movement of record across the reference.
The auction examples cited by Sotheby's, Phillips, and Christie's all identify caliber 3186; no 3185 example is documented in the sources reviewed for this page.


<span id="dial-map"></span>
<span id="dial-map"></span>
== Dial map ==
== Dial map ==


[[File:Ref 116718LN dial-detail.jpg|thumb|right|300px|alt=Black dial on solid yellow gold|Black dial on solid yellow gold]]
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
[[File:Ref 116718LN variant-green-anniversary.jpg|thumb|right|300px|alt=Green 50th-anniversary dial|Green 50th-anniversary dial]]
File:Ref_116718LN_dial-detail.webp|alt=Black dial on solid yellow gold|Black dial on solid yellow gold
[[File:Ref 116718LN variant-green-dial-detail.jpg|thumb|right|300px|alt=Green anniversary dial close-up|Green anniversary dial close-up]]
File:Ref_116718LN_variant-green-anniversary.webp|alt=Green 50th-anniversary dial|Green 50th-anniversary dial
File:Ref_116718LN_variant-green-dial-detail.webp|alt=Green anniversary dial close-up|Green anniversary dial close-up
</gallery>


The green anniversary dial is the collector's variant and the black dial the steadier seller. Both ran through most of the reference's life.
Both black and green dials are documented. Market descriptions often separate the green Anniversary dial from the black dial, but the sources do not support a production ranking or a complete run for either branch.


<span id="black-dial"></span>
<span id="black-dial"></span>
=== Black dial ===
=== Black dial ===


The baseline configuration pairs glossy black lacquer with 18k yellow-gold applied markers, gold hands, and Chromalight lume once that compound rolled out across the Rolex sports catalogue in the late 2000s. It is the more commonly traded of the two dials in the post-discontinuation market. Christie's catalogued a yellow-gold 116718 from circa 2006 carrying the same layout.
The baseline configuration pairs a black dial with 18k yellow-gold applied markers and hands. Rolex's current GMT-Master II material describes black lacquer and Chromalight for the family; the exact lume changeover within this discontinued reference is not established here. Christie's catalogued a yellow-gold 116718 from circa 2006 with the black layout.


<span id="green-anniversary-dial"></span>
<span id="green-anniversary-dial"></span>
=== Green anniversary dial ===
=== Green anniversary dial ===


Rolex introduced the green anniversary dial in 2005 to mark fifty years of the GMT-Master. The dial is solid green, with 18k yellow-gold markers, gold hands, and the same green 24-hour hand the black-dial version carries. Sotheby's records show auction demand for it running from 2019 through 2024.
Rolex introduced the green Anniversary dial in 2005 for the GMT-Master's 50th anniversary. Auction descriptions call it green or green sunburst and show it with the yellow-gold case, black Cerachrom bezel, and Oyster bracelet. Sotheby's and Phillips document examples from circa 2005–2006; they do not establish how long the green dial remained in production.


<span id="case-bezel-crystal-and-crown-notes"></span>
<span id="case-bezel-crystal-and-crown-notes"></span>
== Case, bezel, crystal, and crown notes ==
== Case, bezel, crystal, and crown notes ==


[[File:Ref 116718LN bezel-detail.jpg|thumb|right|300px|alt=First Cerachrom bezel on a GMT-Master II|First Cerachrom bezel on a GMT-Master II]]
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
[[File:Ref 116718LN caseback.jpg|thumb|right|300px|alt=Solid-gold caseback|Solid-gold caseback]]
File:Ref_116718LN_bezel-detail.webp|alt=First Cerachrom bezel on a GMT-Master II|First Cerachrom bezel on a GMT-Master II
File:Ref_116718LN_caseback.webp|alt=Solid-gold caseback|Solid-gold caseback
</gallery>


The case is the Super Case generation Rolex rolled out across its sports catalogue from the mid-2000s. Compared with the aluminium-bezel 16718, the lugs are wider, the crown guards are heavier, and the watch wears more substantially on the wrist. Period listings for Anniversary Green examples give 40mm across, 48mm lug-to-lug, and 11.8mm thick.
The case is the Super Case generation Rolex rolled out across its sports catalogue from the mid-2000s. Compared with the aluminium-bezel 16718, the lugs are wider, the crown guards are heavier, and the watch wears more substantially on the wrist. Period listings for Anniversary Green examples give 40mm across, 48mm lug-to-lug, and 11.8mm thick.


The bezel is the historical point. Black Cerachrom with 18k gold-filled numerals made this the first GMT-Master II with a ceramic insert, and it retired the anodised aluminium bezel the 16718 wore.
The bezel is the historical point. Rolex identifies the 2005 yellow-gold 116718LN as the first GMT-Master II with a Cerachrom ceramic bezel. Its black insert with gold-filled numerals replaced the aluminium insert used on the 16718.


The crystal is sapphire with the Cyclops magnifier over the date. The crown is the Triplock screw-down system Rolex uses across its modern sports references, sealing on three gaskets rather than the Twinlock two. Water resistance is 100m, unchanged from the 16718.
The crystal is sapphire with the Cyclops magnifier over the date. The crown is the Triplock screw-down system Rolex uses across its modern sports references, sealing on three gaskets rather than the Twinlock two. Water resistance is 100m, unchanged from the 16718.
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== Bracelets, end links, clasps, and packaging notes ==
== Bracelets, end links, clasps, and packaging notes ==


The 116718LN ships on a solid 18k yellow-gold Oyster bracelet with solid end links. The Oysterclasp carries the Easylink 5mm comfort extension. Glidelock, the longer micro-adjustment system Rolex reserves for the Submariner and Deepsea families, never appeared on the GMT-Master II. Oyster is the only period-correct bracelet for the reference, and no Jubilee-fitted 116718LN appears in the auction record.
Published examples are fitted with a solid 18k yellow-gold Oyster bracelet and Oysterlock clasp with the Easylink comfort extension. Rolex's GMT-Master II documentation identifies the Triplock crown and Easylink system; it does not establish every possible service or aftermarket bracelet combination for this discontinued reference. Treat a different bracelet as a fitment question that needs its own evidence.


Full-set packaging is the standard Rolex presentation box, the International Guarantee card, and the swing tags. Sotheby's 2019 Anniversary Green lot gives circa-2005 production with a December 2006 warranty date.
Sotheby's 2019 Anniversary Green lot includes a presentation box, International Guarantee card, and swing tags, with a December 2006 warranty date. Those accessories document that lot and do not establish standard delivery for every watch.


<span id="special-branches"></span>
<span id="special-branches"></span>
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=== Green anniversary dial ===
=== Green anniversary dial ===


The green anniversary dial is a documented factory variant, not a limited edition. Rolex ran it across most of the 116718LN's life, so the premium it commands over the black dial comes from colour preference and relative supply, not from a short production window. Secondary-market indexing carries it as 116718LN-0002, a separate catalogue entry from the black dial, and it is the branch collectors argue about.
The green Anniversary dial is a documented factory variant. Sotheby's and Phillips describe it as the 50th-anniversary version, while secondary-market catalogues commonly list it as 116718LN-0002 and the black dial as 116718LN-0001. Those suffixes are useful catalogue labels; they do not prove a Rolex-published production split or a limited-edition run.


<span id="historical-market-and-auction-record"></span>
<span id="historical-market-and-auction-record"></span>
== Historical market and auction record ==
== Historical market and auction record ==


Sotheby's offered the Anniversary Green at Important Watches in 2019, with a USD 10,000-15,000 pre-sale estimate on a circa-2005 example, and put the variant up again at Fine Watches in 2024. Five years past discontinuation, the green dial still draws bidders. Christie's has catalogued a black-dial yellow-gold 116718 through its online Watches programme, which gives the baseline configuration a tier-one anchor of its own. Both houses frame the reference around the 2005 fiftieth-anniversary launch and the caliber 3186 debut.
Sotheby's offered a circa-2005 Anniversary Green in 2019 and a circa-2006 example in 2024. Phillips also catalogued a circa-2006 green example with its 3186 movement and original-owner accessories. Christie's has catalogued a circa-2006 black-dial yellow-gold 116718. These are individual auction records, not a census of the reference or proof of relative rarity.


Post-discontinuation Anniversary Green examples trade through certified pre-owned channels. The green dial dominates what auction record exists; no black-dial example has yet come up in a major thematic sale. Time+Tide and Monochrome both read the 116718LN as the direct predecessor of the 2023 [[Reference:126718GRNR|126718GRNR]].
The 116718LN is the direct predecessor of the 2023 [[Reference:126718GRNR|126718GRNR]] in solid yellow gold. Auction and certified-pre-owned listings should be read as individual examples: condition, service history, and replacement parts can change what an example proves about the reference.


== Related references ==
== Related references ==


* [[Reference:116713LN|GMT-Master 116713LN]] — Two-Tone Ceramic (2006–2019)
* [[Reference:116713LN|GMT-Master 116713LN]], Two-Tone Ceramic (2006–2019)
* [[Reference:116710LN|GMT-Master 116710LN]] — First Steel Ceramic (2007–2019)
* [[Reference:116710LN|GMT-Master 116710LN]], First Steel Ceramic (2007–2019)
* [[Reference:116710BLNR|GMT-Master 116710BLNR]] — 2013–2019
* [[Reference:116710BLNR|GMT-Master 116710BLNR]], 2013–2019
* [[Reference:116719BLRO|GMT-Master 116719BLRO]] — 2014–2019
* [[Reference:116719BLRO|GMT-Master 116719BLRO]], 2014–2019
* [[Reference:126711CHNR|GMT-Master 126711CHNR]] — 2018–present
* [[Reference:126711CHNR|GMT-Master 126711CHNR]], 2018–present
* [[Reference:126715CHNR|GMT-Master 126715CHNR]] — 2018–present
* [[Reference:126715CHNR|GMT-Master 126715CHNR]], 2018–present


See also the [[Reference:gmt-master|GMT-Master family index]], [[Reference:Movements|movement reference]], [[Reference:Bracelets|bracelet & clasp guide]], and [[Reference:Serial-numbers|serial numbers by year]].
See also the [[Reference:gmt-master|GMT-Master family index]], [[Reference:Movements|movement reference]], [[Reference:Bracelets|bracelet & clasp guide]], and [[Reference:Serial-numbers|serial numbers by year]].
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref 116718LN hero.webp|Whole-watch view
File:Ref_116718LN_dial-detail.webp|Black dial
File:Ref_116718LN_variant-green-anniversary.webp|Green anniversary dial
File:Ref_116718LN_variant-green-dial-detail.webp|Green dial detail
File:Ref_116718LN_bezel-detail.webp|Black Cerachrom bezel
File:Ref_116718LN_caseback.webp|Solid-gold caseback
</gallery>


== Sources ==
== Sources ==
* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/watch-review/travel-the-skies-with-the-gmt-master-ii-anniversary.html Travel the Skies with the GMT-Master II 116718 Anniversary] — Bob's Watches
* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/watch-review/travel-the-skies-with-the-gmt-master-ii-anniversary.html Travel the Skies with the GMT-Master II 116718 Anniversary], Bob's Watches
* [https://watchesoff5th.com/blogs/news/closer-look-at-the-discontinued-rolex-gmt-master-ii-in-yellow-gold Closer Look at the Discontinued Rolex GMT Master II in Yellow Gold] — WatchesOff5th
* [https://watchesoff5th.com/blogs/news/closer-look-at-the-discontinued-rolex-gmt-master-ii-in-yellow-gold Closer Look at the Discontinued Rolex GMT Master II in Yellow Gold], WatchesOff5th
* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/resources/rolex-caliber-3186-vs-rolex-caliber-3285.html Rolex Caliber 3186 vs. Caliber 3285] — Bob's Watches
* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/resources/rolex-caliber-3186-vs-rolex-caliber-3285.html Rolex Caliber 3186 vs. Caliber 3285], Bob's Watches
* [https://www.chrono24.com/magazine/golden-boy-with-retro-flair-the-new-rolex-yellow-gold-gmt-master-ii-p_114312/ Golden Boy with Retro Flair: The New Rolex Yellow Gold GMT-Master II] — Chrono24 Magazine
* [https://www.chrono24.com/magazine/golden-boy-with-retro-flair-the-new-rolex-yellow-gold-gmt-master-ii-p_114312/ Golden Boy with Retro Flair: The New Rolex Yellow Gold GMT-Master II], Chrono24 Magazine
* [https://www.swisswatchexpo.com/thewatchclub/2024/01/02/rolex-gmt-master-ii-yellow-gold-and-rolesor-yellow-gold-editions/ Rolex GMT-Master II Yellow Gold and Rolesor Yellow Gold Editions] — SwissWatchExpo
* [https://www.swisswatchexpo.com/thewatchclub/2024/01/02/rolex-gmt-master-ii-yellow-gold-and-rolesor-yellow-gold-editions/ Rolex GMT-Master II Yellow Gold and Rolesor Yellow Gold Editions], SwissWatchExpo
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/yellow-gold-and-rolesor-rolex-gmt-master-ii-grey-and-black-ceramic-bezel-2023-editions-126713grnr-126718grnr-specs-price/ Yellow Gold and Rolesor Back On The Rolex GMT-Master II With Grey & Black Ceramic Bezel] — Monochrome
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/yellow-gold-and-rolesor-rolex-gmt-master-ii-grey-and-black-ceramic-bezel-2023-editions-126713grnr-126718grnr-specs-price/ Yellow Gold and Rolesor Back On The Rolex GMT-Master II With Grey & Black Ceramic Bezel], Monochrome
* [https://www.europeanwatch.com/blog/rolex-gmt-master-ii-126718grnr-review Vintage in a Modern Package: Rolex GMT Master II 126718GRNR] — European Watch Company
* [https://www.europeanwatch.com/blog/rolex-gmt-master-ii-126718grnr-review Vintage in a Modern Package: Rolex GMT Master II 126718GRNR], European Watch Company
* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-gmt-master-ii-ceramic-watch-116718.html Rolex 116718LN GMT Master II 18K Yellow Gold with Black Dial] — Bob's Watches
* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-gmt-master-ii-ceramic-watch-116718.html Rolex 116718LN GMT Master II 18K Yellow Gold with Black Dial], Bob's Watches
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2019/important-watches-n10082/lot.113.html ROLEX Ref 116718LN GMT-Master II Anniversary Green yellow gold wristwatch circa 2005] — Sotheby's
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2019/important-watches-n10082/lot.113.html ROLEX Ref 116718LN GMT-Master II Anniversary Green yellow gold wristwatch circa 2005], Sotheby's
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/fine-watches-2/gmt-master-ii-green-anniversary-reference-116718ln?locale=fr GMT-Master II Green Anniversary reference 116718LN yellow gold wristwatch circa 2006] — Sotheby's
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/fine-watches-2/gmt-master-ii-green-anniversary-reference-116718ln?locale=fr GMT-Master II Green Anniversary reference 116718LN yellow gold wristwatch circa 2006], Sotheby's
* [https://onlineonly.christies.com.cn/s/watches-online-new-york/rolex-gmt-master-ii-18k-yellow-gold-ref-116718-13/113474 Rolex GMT-Master II, 18k Yellow Gold, Ref. 116718] — Christie's
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/215929 Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 116718LN, circa 2006], Phillips
* [https://www.the1916company.com/rolex-certified-pre-owned/gmt-master-ii/5017167/ Pre-Owned Rolex GMT-Master II Anniversary Green 116718LN] — The 1916 Company
* [https://onlineonly.christies.com.cn/s/watches-online-new-york/rolex-gmt-master-ii-18k-yellow-gold-ref-116718-13/113474 Rolex GMT-Master II, 18k Yellow Gold, Ref. 116718], Christie's
* [https://watchcharts.com/watch_variation/21-rolex-gmt-master-ii-anniversary-green-116718ln-0002/overview Rolex GMT-Master II Anniversary Green 116718LN-0002 Price Overview] — WatchCharts
* [https://newsroom.rolex.com/services/v1/contactsheet/generatepdf/7bf5ddf6-fda9-46a2-be43-4e2563956057/en/gmt-master-ii.pdf Rolex GMT-Master II historical contact sheet], Rolex Newsroom
* [https://revolutionwatch.com/masterstroke-the-gmt-master-part-ii/ Master Stroke — The Rolex GMT-Master: Part II] — Ross Povey, Revolution
* [https://www.rolex.com/watches/gmt-master-ii/features GMT-Master II technical features], Rolex
* [https://www.the1916company.com/rolex-certified-pre-owned/gmt-master-ii/5017167/ Pre-Owned Rolex GMT-Master II Anniversary Green 116718LN], The 1916 Company
* [https://watchcharts.com/watch_variation/21-rolex-gmt-master-ii-anniversary-green-116718ln-0002/overview Rolex GMT-Master II Anniversary Green 116718LN-0002 Price Overview], WatchCharts
* [https://revolutionwatch.com/masterstroke-the-gmt-master-part-ii/ Master Stroke, The Rolex GMT-Master: Part II], Ross Povey, Revolution


[[Category:GMT-Master]]
[[Category:GMT-Master]]
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