Rolex GMT-Master II 16713: A Classic Two-Tone Travel Watch in Steel and Yellow Gold
The Rolex GMT-Master II 16713 is a classic two-tone travel watch that combines the practical GMT function with the distinctive look of stainless steel and 18kt yellow gold. Produced during the pre-ceramic era of the GMT-Master II, this 40mm reference is closely associated with the five-digit generation that many collectors value for its slimmer case profile, aluminium bezel inserts and traditional Rolex proportions. The 16713 offers a noticeably different character from an all-steel GMT-Master II, adding warmth and a more luxurious appearance without losing the functional identity of the collection.
The reference was available in several recognizable configurations. Some examples feature a black dial with a black 24-hour aluminium bezel insert, while others are known for the brown-and-gold combination commonly nicknamed the Root Beer. Dial details, luminous material and bracelet configuration can vary depending on production year and individual watch. This variety is one of the reasons the 16713 remains interesting on the pre-owned market, as two watches with the same reference number can have a very different visual personality.
Why the Rolex GMT-Master II 16713 Remains a Distinctive Collector Choice
At the heart of the Rolex GMT-Master II 16713 is the independently adjustable local hour hand that defines the GMT-Master II concept. On most examples, this functionality is provided by Rolex Calibre 3185, a self-winding automatic movement developed for travellers who need to change local time without disturbing the minutes, seconds or 24-hour home-time indication. By moving the local hour hand forward or backward in one-hour steps, the wearer can also advance or reverse the date efficiently. Some very late-production examples may contain Calibre 3186, making movement verification relevant when evaluating a specific watch.
The 40mm Oyster case is built from stainless steel with yellow-gold details, creating the two-tone construction traditionally known as Rolesor. The bezel ring, crown and centre bracelet links introduce the warm tone of 18kt yellow gold, while the steel case and outer bracelet links provide contrast and everyday durability. A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the dial, and the Cyclops lens magnifies the date at three o’clock. Water resistance is rated to 100 metres, giving the watch the practical construction expected from a Rolex Oyster sports model of its period.
A defining feature of the 16713 is its bidirectional 24-hour bezel with an aluminium insert. Unlike the ceramic Cerachrom bezels used on later GMT-Master II generations, aluminium has a softer, more period-correct appearance and can show subtle ageing over time. Black bezel examples create a relatively restrained two-tone look, while brown-and-gold Root Beer configurations have a warmer, more unmistakable personality. Because bezel inserts are replaceable components, buyers of a pre-owned Rolex GMT-Master II 16713 should consider whether the insert, dial and hands are consistent with the watch’s age and configuration.
The 16713 was offered with both Oyster and Jubilee bracelets, depending on the individual watch and period. An Oyster bracelet gives the model a sportier and more structured appearance, while a Jubilee bracelet emphasizes the dressier side of the steel-and-gold combination. Bracelet references, end links, clasp details and the transition to later solid-end-link configurations can differ across the production run. For collectors, these details can help place a watch within its period, but they should always be assessed together with the serial range, case style and available documentation.
Production changes also affected the dial and luminous material. Earlier examples can feature tritium, while transitional watches may use Luminova and later examples Super-LumiNova. The case design also evolved, with drilled lug holes appearing on earlier pieces and later watches moving toward no-holes cases. These variations give the reference a broad collecting landscape. Rather than treating every 16713 as identical, it is useful to look closely at the exact year, dial, bezel, bracelet, condition and service history of the individual watch.
The Rolex GMT-Master II 16713 occupies an appealing position between vintage and modern Rolex. It has a sapphire crystal, independent local hour hand and practical water resistance, yet retains the narrower lugs, aluminium bezel and lighter visual profile associated with earlier sports-watch generations. This makes the reference attractive to buyers who want a classic Rolex GMT with genuine travel functionality but prefer the proportions and materials of the pre-ceramic era.
For many enthusiasts, the two-tone construction is an important part of the appeal. Stainless steel keeps the watch versatile, while yellow gold adds a more luxurious character that works especially well with the warm brown Root Beer versions. At the same time, black-dial examples can feel surprisingly understated for a steel-and-gold Rolex. This range of personalities helps the 16713 work with casual clothing, business wear and more formal outfits, making it a flexible choice within the vintage and neo-vintage Rolex market.
Whether you are searching for a two-tone Rolex GMT-Master II, a pre-ceramic Rolex travel watch, a classic Root Beer GMT or a five-digit GMT-Master II with an aluminium bezel, the reference 16713 offers a strong combination of heritage, functionality and distinctive design. Its production variations mean that originality, condition and configuration matter, so a well-documented example deserves careful evaluation before purchase.
Please also explore our full collection of Rolex GMT-Master II watches.
