Rolex – GMT Master II – “Anniversary Green Dial” – 116718 – 2011

The reference 116718 represents Rolex’s unabashed embrace of precious metal in their legendary pilot’s watch, a GMT-Master II rendered entirely in 18K yellow gold with the uncommonly specified green dial. Introduced in the mid-2000s, this configuration stands apart from the more frequently encountered black and blue ceramic bezel variants, offering collectors a distinctive colorway that predates Rolex’s later green dial experiments. The sunburst green surface creates a striking visual contrast against the warm gold case and bracelet, a combination that speaks to both aviation heritage and uncompromising luxury.

The 40mm Oyster case houses the caliber 3186, Rolex’s workhorse GMT movement featuring the independently adjustable hour hand that allows rapid local time changes without disturbing the running seconds or 24-hour hand. The movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides approximately 50 hours of power reserve, while the bi-directional rotating 24-hour bezel with engraved numerals enables simultaneous tracking of three time zones. The sapphire crystal sits above luminous Mercedes hands and applied hour markers, all executed in matching yellow gold, with the date aperture positioned at three o’clock beneath a Cyclops lens.

The substantial yellow gold Oyster bracelet with Easylink extension system wears comfortably despite the precious metal construction, though this remains a watch with undeniable wrist presence. For collectors seeking a GMT-Master II that defies the modern trend toward steel sports watches, the green-dial 116718 delivers functional complications and bold aesthetic character in equal measure.