Everything You Need to Know About the Rolex GMT-Master II
One of the most iconic watches today, the Rolex GMT-Master II really needs no introduction. Celebrities like Roger Federer wear one, and they have caused many discussions over the last few years. The Rolex GMT-Master II is a collection with an impressive history and an even more impressive lineup. The GMT-Master II has not been discontinued, the models continue to evolve every year with some models being discontinued and re-released.
A Brief History of the GMT-Master II
The first GMT-Master II was released in the early 1980s, after the success of the original GMT Master. The model has gone through a few minor changes over the years, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the appeal. The GMT in the name stands for Greenwich Mean Time, and unlike the predecessor, the movement has an independently adjustable quickset hour hand. This makes moving between time zones much easier. In fact, with the rotating bezel, a third timezone is possible to track.
If you’d like to learn more about the history of the GMT Master Model, continue reading about the evolution of the GMT-Master II in our blog.
Materials of the Rolex GMT-Master II
Originally the GMT-Master II 16760 was launched in Oystersteel with a red-black “Coke” bezel. It was also the first GMT to feature the white gold luminescent indices and a sapphire crystal.
In 2005, the model was updated and released in an all-gold version with a green dial for the 50th anniversary of the GMT Master. This year also brought the use of Parachrom hairsprings in the movement. This paramagnetic alloy is unaffected by magnetism, provides more shock resistance. Ceramic was also introduced in the collection as an all-black version because previous models had aluminum bezels that could fade and show wear. The new Cerachrom bezels were designed to be both scratch and fade-proof. At this time, Rolex had stated that the Cerachrom bezel could not be produced in two colors.
White gold can also be found in the releases, currently exclusive to the GMT-Master II “Pepsi” bezel with a meteor or navy blue dial.
Everose is also found in the collection, with the modern “Root Beer” black and brown bezel. This is currently available in all Everose gold or a two-tone variation of Oystersteel and Everose Gold.
The GMT-Master II: Waterproof Sports Watch
The original GMT-Master promised a water resistance of 50m, but with the release of the GMT-Master II, the model saw an increase in water resistance to 100m, or 330 feet. The phrase waterproof is not often found in watchmaking, but Rolex is confident in their testing and uses waterproof when referring to the resistance.
The Triplock winding crown features a triple waterproofness system, and Rolex guarantees this up to 100 meters. You always want to make sure the crown is completely screwed down against the case after winding or setting the time. It should also never be opened underwater.
Rolex watches are also Superlative Chronometers which means they undergo the COSC certification as well as official Rolex testing. In fact, Rolex watches are tested to extremes. Different models are tested between 10-25% greater water pressures than what they are rated for, guaranteeing their water resistance when taken care of.
Of course, with any watch, you should make sure the watch is serviced regularly, especially if wearing in pools or the ocean. The seals can become degraded over the years and need replacing. A service will test the watch for waterproofness and replace any parts that don’t align with Rolex functional specifications.
Popular Models of the GMT-Master II
When thinking of the GMT-Master II, most people instantly think of the Pepsi bezel or Batman bezel. Over the years from the first release of the model, there have been a few iterations of the bezel and materials.
Rolex “Pepsi” GMT-Master II
One of the most popular bezels can be found across the GMT-Master II lineup. Originally launched in Oystersteel with a blue and red aluminum bezel, the Pepsi can be found on white gold and Everose gold versions. The Pepsi bezel has been updated to the Cerachrom insert but has also been produced in precious stones, with a ruby, sapphire, and diamond bezel.
GMT-Master II “Batman”
The black and blue version of the GMT-Master II was released at Baselworld 2013 and was the first of its kind. This model was the first bi-color ceramic bezel produced, the 116710BLNR. The BLNR stands for “Bleu” and “Noir.” Also known as the Bruiser, this black and blue combination has been a fan favorite since its release. However, in 2019, the original Oyster bracelet version was discontinued and replaced with the 126710BLNR with a Jubilee bracelet.
While this model is the same case, it has been designed to feel slightly thinner and rounder on the wrist. The movement was also upgraded to the caliber 3285 and the lume was upgraded to Chromalight.
Rolex “Coke”
The red and black “Coke” aluminum bezel was the first GMT-Master II released in 1982 with the true dual-time capability. The GMT-Master II 16760 was only ever available in stainless steel and the Coke bezel was exclusive to this model. The reference 16710 and the aluminum Coke bezel was discontinued in 2005 and has currently not been a bezel style that has been re-released in ceramic.
Rolex GMT-Master II “Root Beer”
The Root Beer is another iconic bezel, with the modern ceramic bezel in black and brown. There have been several Root Beer models over the years with the first being found on the original GMT-Master. The bezel was discontinued on the GMT-Master and wasn’t released on the GMT-Master II until 2018.
The 2018 release of the Rolex “Root Beer” 126711CHNR and 1265715CHNR saw an Everose gold version and two-tone Oystersteel and Everose gold. The two-tone version is truest to the original design, but with rose gold instead of yellow gold. The ceramic bezel saw a slight upgrade from the previous GMT-Master aluminum bezel. This features a black and brown combination and is accented by the Everose gold. Unlike the original Root Beer, this modern version only features a black dial, instead of deciding between brown or black.
GMT-Master II All Black Bezel
The GMT-Master II 16710 in Oystersteel was available with a monochromatic black bezel, as did the reference 16718, an all yellow gold version. In 2005, when Rolex released the Cerachrom ceramic bezel into the model family, it was only available in an all-black version. Two-tone ceramic was something that took years of development and was first seen on the Batman.
The black ceramic bezel could be found on the stainless steel reference 116710, yellow gold reference 116718 with green or black dials, and two-tone reference 116713 with black dial and black bezel. Depending on the reference, the GMT hand can be found in red or green, popping out against the monochromatic dial and bezel. In 2019 when the GMT-Master II family was updated, the all-black bezel was discontinued.
Who Wears a GMT-Master II
Spotted on the wrists of celebrities, athletes, musicians, and business people around the world, the GMT-Master II is worn by many different people. The model is one of the most versatile pieces, with the many different bezel and case materials. The watch has its sporty features, with water resistance and case design, but is also useful with its second timezone. Upon first glance, you can instantly spot the watch as a Rolex, but even when dressed up, the watch is still understated, giving it a large appeal.
What Does a GMT-Master II Cost?
When buying a GMT-Master II at retail, the watch ranges from around $9,700 USD in Oystersteel to just under $40,000 in white gold or full Everose gold. On the pre-owned market prices can fluctuate daily. At the time of writing, the The 1916 Company collection is priced from $13,540 to $129,450. The more expensive models are found in precious materials and feature diamond, ruby, and sapphire bezels.
Many features such as box and papers, year and condition all are taken into account for secondary market pricing. The discontinuation of certain models has also increased the demand of the watch on the secondary market.
The Rolex Submariner vs. GMT-Master II
Often the Rolex Submariner and GMT-Master II get compared. While the watches offer different features and slightly different styles, they both are top examples of Rolex watchmaking and can be found through the long-standing history of the brand.
The Submariner is going to offer the wearer a higher water resistance and dive functionality. The GMT-Master II offers water resistance but is not meant for true diving, rather with the second timezone, this is more suitable for those looking to have two timezones easily read on the wrist.
The GMT-Master II has seen a few changes over the years since its first release in the early 1980s. The models are continuously updated to feature the best of modern materials. Whether this is found in the ceramic bezel, hairspring, or bracelet and clasp styles, Rolex doesn’t hold back on this popular model. Ready to find your GMT-Master II? Browse the current The 1916 Company collection, featuring the Batman, Root Beer, Pepsi, all-black, and more.