Do not misunderstand me; I am not tooting my own horn, nor am I allowing my bias of any particular models within the Rolex range to colour my judgement.

During the past couple years I have bought and parted with a few Rolexes, visited ADs in London and Geneva in particular - hunting down the ‘perfect’ Rolex. My journey began with my obsession of the Sea-Dweller 16600 - it sang to the engineer within me; a statement of over engineering with an equally illustrious past linked with COMEX and the depths of the ocean…the promise of adventure.

Another model that appealed to me greatly was the ‘classic’ GMT-Master II 16710 - conceived during the dawn of travelling by aeroplanes to combat ‘jet lag’; another masterpiece by Rolex.

The cult icon that is most sought after in SS, the Rolex Daytona, with an in-house manufacture calibre from Rolex and available in SS, WG, YG, and Everose Rose Gold. Other watches on offer include their ever popular DateJust for men and ladies alike as well as the Day-Date at 36 mm as well as the latest offering of Basel 2008: the Day-Date II in 41 mm. Rolex also feature their Yachmaster line with the YMII ‘egg timer’ and Cellini models.

Adhering to the title, ‘The Best of Rolex’, the requirements were:

Latest movement in its class from Rolex
Parachrom Bleu hairspring
The Ceramic bezel
Triplock crown
Solid links and Solid End Links (SEL) bracelet
The best clasp available.

The answer quite simply is, without much of a surprise, the Rolex GMT-Master II 116710, 116713, and 116718. Available in SS, two tone SS/YG, or solid 18K YG (includes an Anniversary model featuring a green dial with glit writing). Technologically, this updated version of the GMTII now referred to among enthusiasts as the GMTII-C (C for Ceramic), it offers the best of Rolex as of 2008 featuring the 3186 movement with Parachrom Bleu hairspring and satisfies all the requirements set forth.

Although the SS GMTIIC is a favourite, with Platinum blasted atom by atom into the bezel numerals, the 116713 and 116718 are coveted by many for the unique blend of black and yellow gold which is masterfully executed by Rolex especially in the two tone model.

Here are some photos of these two models,

Photocredit: TimeZone.com Rolex Forum Member (unknown).