This guide is about two exceptional Rolex watches: the GMT Master and the GMT Master II. Think of them as cool watches that can simultaneously tell time in multiple places! They are like magic clocks for your wrist.
History of GMT Master and GMT Master II
First, let’s talk about when they were made. The GMT Master was the first one to come out in 1955. It was made for pilots flying long distances to see the time in two different places without needing clarification. It has a special hand (like the ones that tell hours and minutes) that shows a second-time zone.
The GMT Master II came out later, in 1982. It’s like the younger sibling but with a cool trick: it can show time in three different places at once! This is because it has a special hand that moves independently, which means you can set it to a different time without messing up the main time.
Rolex GMT-Master II “The Batman” Stainless Steel 40mm 126710BLNR Full Set
Sold by Watches of Charlotte
2024 Rolex GMT-Master II 18k Yellow Gold Jubilee 40mm 126718GRNR Complete BNIB
Sold by The Stellaris Collection
Rolex GMT Master II 126711CHNR Rootbeer Two Tone 18k Rose Gold Complete Set 2023
Sold by The Stellaris Collection
Rolex GMT-Master II “Sprite” Jubilee Bracelet BNIB Complete set – 126720VTNR
Sold by Engines & Escapements
Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi 40mm Meteorite White Gold 126719BLRO Box & Papers
Sold by The Stellaris Collection
General Overview
Both watches come in different styles and materials, like stainless steel and gold, and have colorful bezels (the ring around the watch face) that make them look really unique. The GMT Master has some options like black, blue, and a mix called “Pepsi” because it’s red and blue, like the soda logo. The GMT Master II has those and more, including a special black and blue called “Batman.”
The main difference between the two is that the GMT Master shows two times, and the GMT Master II can show three times. Also, the GMT Master II uses newer materials for the bezel that don’t scratch easily and has more fancy versions with gems.
People have given these watches fun nicknames based on their colors, like “Pepsi” for the red and blue bezel and “Batman” for the black and blue one. They’re not just tools; they’re like little pieces of art you can wear.
In the end, Rolex decided to focus on making just the GMT Master II, but both watches are still really popular and special. They tell us about different places and times; wearing one is like carrying a little piece of the world on your wrist.
Let’s gear up for a deeper dive into the intriguing world of Rolex’s GMT Master and GMT Master II watches. We’ve skimmed the surface, learning about their capabilities and the fundamental differences between these two iconic timepieces. Now, it’s time to zoom in and explore the distinctive features, histories, and details that make each model and version stand out.
Our focus will extend to the various materials used in the construction of these watches, from the robust stainless steel to the opulent gold variants and the innovative Cerachrom ceramic bezels introduced with the GMT Master II. We’ll delve into the significance of the bezel colors—each with its own nickname and story, from the “Pepsi” to the “Sprite”—and what these color choices signify for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Moreover, we’ll examine the functionality distinguishing the GMT Master II from its predecessor, particularly its ability to display three time zones, and how this feature has been received within the watchmaking community and by global travelers.
Rolex GMT-Master Bezel Guide: Types and Dates
Aluminum is favored for watch bezels due to its vintage aesthetic and ability to develop a beautifully faded patina. This characteristic is evident in the discoloration found on vintage Rolex GMT-Masters, Submariners, and Daytonas.
Bakelite, an early form of plastic, is known for its lightweight, durability, and versatility, allowing it to be shaped into countless forms. This material served as an alternative to aluminum for watch bezel inserts, offering a pioneering solution in the watchmaking industry.
A Cerachrom bezel is a special type of bezel used on Rolex watches, made from a proprietary ceramic material developed by Rolex. It’s known for being scratch-resistant and fade-resistant, which contributes to the longevity and durability of the watch, making it an ideal choice for luxury sports watches like the GMT-Master II
| Model Reference | Production Years | Case Material | Bezel Material | Bezel Color Options |
| GMT-Master 6542 | 1955 – 1959 | Stainless Steel | Bakelite | Blue/Red |
| GMT-Master 6542 | 1958 – 1959 | Yellow Gold | Bakelite | Burgundy |
| GMT-Master 1675 | 1959 – 1980 | Stainless Steel | Aluminum | Blue/Red, Black |
| GMT-Master 1675/8 | 1960 – 1980 | Yellow Gold | Aluminum | Brown, Black |
| GMT-Master 1675/3 | 1970 – 1980 | Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel | Aluminum | Brown, Black, Brown/Gold |
| GMT-Master 16750 | 1980 – 1988 | Stainless Steel | Aluminum | Blue/Red, Black |
| GMT-Master 16753 | 1980 – 1988 | Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel | Aluminum | Brown, Black, Brown/Gold |
| GMT-Master 16758 | 1980 – 1988 | Yellow Gold | Aluminum | Brown, Black |
| GMT-Master II 16760 | 1982 – 1988 | Stainless Steel | Aluminum | Black/Red |
| GMT-Master 16700 | 1988 – 1999 | Stainless Steel | Aluminum | Red/Blue, Black |
| GMT-Master II 16718 | 1989 – 2005 | Yellow Gold | Aluminum | Black, Brown |
| GMT-Master II 16713 | 1989 – 2006 | Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel | Aluminum | Brown, Black, Brown/Gold |
| GMT-Master II 16710 | 1989-2007 | Stainless Steel | Aluminum | Red/Blue, Black/Red, Black |
| GMT-Master II 116718 | 2005 – 2018 | Yellow Gold | Cerachrom | Black |
| GMT-Master II 116713 | 2006 – 2018 | Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel | Cerachrom | Black |
| GMT-Master II 116710 | 2007 – 2018 | Stainless Steel | Cerachrom | Black, Blue/Black |
| GMT-Master II 116719 | 2014 – 2019 | White Gold | Cerachrom | Blue/Red |
| GMT-Master II 126710 | 2018 – Present | Stainless Steel | Cerachrom | Blue/Red, Blue/Black |
| GMT-Master II 126711 | 2018 – Present | Everose Gold & Stainless Steel | Cerachrom | Brown/Black |
| GMT-Master II 126715 | 2018 – Present | Everose Gold | Cerachrom | Brown/Black |
| GMT-Master II 126719 | 2019 – Present | White Gold | Cerachrom | Blue/Red |
| GMT-Master II 126720VTNR | 2022 – Present | Stainless Steel | Cerachrom | Green/ Black |
| GMT-Master II 126713GRNR | 2023 –Present | Yellow Gold | Cerachrom | Grey/Black |
| GMT-Master II 126718GRNR | 2023 –Present | Yellow Gold | Cerachrom | Grey/Black |
Decoding the Mystique: Nicknames and Letter Codes of GMT-Master Bezels
| Bezel Colors | Nickname | Code Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Blue and Red | Pepsi | BLRO (Bleu/Rouge) |
| Black and Red | Coke | n/a |
| Brown & Gold | Old Root Beer | n/a |
| Brown and Black | New Root Beer | CHNR (Chocolat/Noir) |
| Black and Green | Pepsi | VTNR(Vert/Noir) |
| Blue and Black | Batman/ Batwoman | BLNR (Bleu/Noir) |
| Black | – | LN (Lunette/Noir) |
| Blue | Blueberry | n/a |
| Blue Sapphire, Red Ruby, and White Diamond | – | SARU (Saphir/Rubis) |
| Black Sapphire and White Diamond | – | SANR (Saphir/Noir) |
| Blue Sapphire and White Diamond | – | SA (Sapphir) |
| White baguette-cut diamond | Ice | TBR (Tessellate/Brillants) |
Should people invest in Rolex GMT?
Definitely yes! Rolex GMT Master II watches are steadily trending up in value do to their demand sa swell as low supply. If a buyer is able to purchase this type of watch directly from a dealer, the chance the watches will go down in value is very slim.
Whats the Price of Rolex GMT Master II?
The retail price starts at $10,700 for the Oyster Steel and exceeds $40,000 for the Rose Gold.
When should people sell their Rolex GMT Master and GMT Master II
There is no right or wrong answer. Each owner should decide for themselves whether they should sell their Rolex. Some people choose to sell because they have grown bored of the watch, or they are looking to get a good return on their investment because they purchased the watch for much less than what it is selling for on the secondary market. Any reason people choose to sell is a good reason for them. However, the longer people keep the watch with the box and papers, the more valuable the watch will become.
Rolex GMT-Master II “The Batman” Stainless Steel 40mm 126710BLNR Full Set
Sold by Watches of Charlotte
2024 Rolex GMT-Master II 18k Yellow Gold Jubilee 40mm 126718GRNR Complete BNIB
Sold by The Stellaris CollectionIn conclusion
Wrapping up our adventure, we’ve traveled through the exciting worlds of the Rolex GMT Master and GMT Master II. These aren’t just watches; they’re like magic portals on your wrist, showing times from different corners of the globe all at once. We started our journey with the GMT Master, born in 1955, crafted for pilots zipping across the skies needing to track time in two places without a hitch. It came with a special hand, pointing out a second time zone, just like the hands that show hours and minutes.
Then came the GMT Master II in 1982, kind of like the younger sibling but with an extra trick up its sleeve: it could juggle time in three places at once! Thanks to a special hand that moves all on its own, you can set a different time without mixing up the main clock.
We’ve peeked into their looks and how they work, showing off their style from tough stainless steel to shiny gold, and the cool Cerachrom ceramic bezels. These watches aren’t just about telling time; they weave stories with their “Pepsi,” “Batman,” and “Sprite” bezels, and the clever tech that keeps you connected to far-off places.
We also looked at why the Rolex GMT might be a smart money move, seeing as their worth keeps going up, making them a solid choice for collectors. Whether it’s the materials they’re made from or how rare they are, the GMT Master II is not just a masterpiece of design but also a smart investment.
When it comes down to selling one of these treasures, it’s all about what you feel is right, whether you’re after some cash or just ready for something new. But remember, these watches tend to become more precious over time, especially if you’ve kept them in tip-top shape with all their original bits and bobs.
