The Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 16710 is one of those watches that somehow feels “right” the second it’s on your wrist. Slim enough to sit under a cuff, sporty enough to take a knock, and with that unmistakable bezel personality, especially in the Pepsi and Coke setups. It’s the GMT that a lot of collectors quietly prefer to newer references because it keeps the proportions clean and the vibe properly old-school.
If you wear a 16710 often, you already know the bracelet is great. But you also know it can feel a bit clanky, a bit loud, and sometimes you just want the watch to feel lighter and more modern without losing its character. That’s where a fitted rubber strap makes a lot of sense.
Size and fit, so you don’t order the wrong thing
The GMT-Master II 16710 is a 40mm case with a 20mm lug width. That’s your anchor point.
On Helvetus product pages, the key is simply choosing the option that matches the watch family, not trying to “guess” the fit based on lug width alone. For this model, you’ll want to select the GMT-Master II (40mm / 20mm) option on the product page. If you do that, you’re in the safe zone.
A quick practical tip: people sometimes overthink “Pepsi vs Coke” as if it changes the strap. It doesn’t. Same case, same lugs, same fit. The only thing you’re choosing is the look you want and whether you prefer deployant or pin buckle. We offer both, and it’s mostly a lifestyle choice. Deployant feels a touch more “Rolex-like” day to day. Pin buckle is simpler and a little more casual.
The best strap picks for the Rolex GMT-Master II 16710
I’m picky with the 16710 because it’s a watch with a strong visual identity. The wrong strap can make it look like it’s trying too hard. The right one makes it feel like a sharper, more wearable version of itself.
Black with Blue LuxLine® is the easy win if you wear the Pepsi configuration often, or if your wardrobe leans cool-toned. The black keeps the watch grounded and classic, while the blue line quietly nods to the bezel without screaming “matching set.” On wrist, it makes the GMT feel a bit more contemporary, almost like you’ve cleaned up the silhouette while keeping the original attitude. This is the one I’d pick if you want a strap you can throw on and never second-guess.
Black/Blue Rolex GMT Master II Rubber Strap
Black with Red LuxLine® has a different energy. It suits the Coke bezel especially well, but it also works on Pepsi if you want the watch to feel slightly more aggressive. It’s the strap that makes the 16710 feel sportier, like it’s leaning into the whole “pilot tool watch” story rather than the desk-GMT reality most of us live. If you wear darker clothes, black jackets, or you just like a bit more edge, this one lands perfectly.
Black/Red Rolex GMT Master II Rubber Strap
Then there’s Red. This is not the “safe” choice, and that’s the point. A red strap on a 16710 turns the watch into a statement, but a tasteful one, not a cartoon. It works surprisingly well when the rest of your look is simple: white tee, black polo, neutral knitwear. The watch becomes the only loud thing, and it looks intentional. I also like it for summer because it makes the whole watch feel lighter and more playful without losing the Rolex seriousness.
Red Rolex GMT Master II Rubber Strap
If you want to browse beyond those three, it’s worth doing it properly rather than hunting product-by-product. We’ve got a full range of colors, and you can choose deployant or pin buckle versions depending on how you like the watch to wear. You’ll find everything here:
All Rolex GMT Master II Rubber Straps
Buying the right strap from Helvetus, without overcomplicating it
The only real rule is: buy for the way you actually wear the watch.
If your 16710 is an everyday piece and you want it to feel slimmer and more “grab-and-go,” go LuxLine® in black with the accent color that suits your bezel. If you want a second personality for the watch, that’s where a bold color like red earns its place.
The nice part with these straps is that they’re designed to fit the GMT-Master II case properly, so you’re not dealing with that awkward straight-strap gap that can make a great watch look slightly unfinished. When the fit is right, the whole watch looks more intentional.
A clean finish, and why this setup works long-term
A great strap should feel like an upgrade in comfort, not a compromise in confidence. That’s the standard we keep: straps designed for a precise fit on the Rolex GMT-Master II 16710, backed by a lifetime warranty, shipped free worldwide with no import costs, and worn by 30,000+ customers globally. If you’re the type who actually wears your GMT instead of babying it, rubber just makes the watch easier to live with, and honestly, that’s the whole point of owning a classic tool Rolex in the first place.
