DESIGNER 101

Watches 101:

The Rolex GMT-Master II

By The Rebag Team, Jun. 15, 2023

Watches 101: The Rolex GMT-Master II

First introduced in 1954 as the official watch of Pan American Airways’ crews, the Rolex GMT-Master II is an easily-recognizable timepiece beloved by watch enthusiasts everywhere. Its reliability and robust design have made it a favorite among celebrities like tennis champion Roger Federer and actors Orlando Bloom and Sylvester Stallone, among many others. Explore the history and characteristics of the Rolex GMT-Master II, including the various models available, materials used, and styling tips. Whether you are a watch aficionado or simply looking to invest in a high-quality timepiece, the GMT-Master is a safe bet.

Further Reading: If you’re looking to delve deeper into the world of watchmaking, pay a visit to our terminology guide here to better understand every component of your favorite timepieces.

The GMT-Master II Look

Known for its robustness, the GMT-Master II features an iconic two-color bezel which makes it instantly recognizable.  The ideal watch for jet-setters, it effortlessly displays two time zones concurrently. This watch features traditional hour, minute, and seconds hands, along with a triangle-tipped 24-hour hand. Its bidirectional rotatable bezel has a 24-hour graduated Cerachrom insert, allowing for effortless tracking of local time, reference time, or an alternate time zone. The synchronized date is displayed at 3 o’clock, with luminous markers and hands, aligning perfectly with the local time. Variations in stainless steel, gold, and two-tone combinations are available.

GMT-Master II Materials

The Rolex GMT-Master II watch collection is known not only for its sophisticated design but also for the high-quality materials used. The cases are made from a variety of materials including Rolex’s Oystersteel and gold iterations, which are carefully selected for their durability and elegance and are often combined to create striking two-tone designs. Some GMT-Master models even feature diamond or gemstone-set bezels, dials, or bracelets, adding an extra touch of luxury.

GMT-Master II Models

There are several models available in the GMT-Master collection, each with their own unique features and designs. Every iteration is crafted with attention to detail and employs modern technology to offer practical wear and reliable cross-world timekeeping. While most Rolex GMT-Master styles are targeted towards men, specific models have been designed as genderless or specifically with women in mind, so it’s important to consider individual preferences. All GMT-Master II models are water-resistant up to 100 meters. 

GMT-Master II “Pepsi”: the most popular GMT-Master style, it features a stainless steel case, red and blue ceramic bezel. Available with a Jubilee or Oyster bracelet, and in stainless steel or 18k gold.

GMT-Master II “Batman”: released in 2018, this model has a stainless steel case, black and blue ceramic bezel (hence the name), and a Jubilee bracelet.

GMT-Master II “Coke”: this iteration combines stainless steel and Everose gold, with a black and brown ceramic bezel and Oyster bracelet.

GMT-Master II “Root Beer”: version that features a full Everose gold case and bracelet, and a brown and black ceramic bezel.

GMT-Master II “Batgirl”: introduced in 2019, the “Batgirl” is similar to the “Batman” but features a Jubilee bracelet rather than an Oyster bracelet.

GMT-Master II “Meteorite”: this 2019 model has a white gold case, a black and red meteorite dial, and a red and blue ceramic bezel.

How to Style Your GMT-Master II Watch

Sturdy and practical, the GMT-Master II is water-resistant up to 100 meters, so it can be worn in an array of different settings with ease. Wear it comfortably on your day-to-day routine, to the beach, poolside, to the gym, or to formal gatherings, either solo or stacked with your favorite bracelets for an extra impactful look. Moreover, due to the watch’s inherent design purpose, it is highly recommended to wear the GMT-Master II during overseas trips, ensuring effortless and worry-free timekeeping while traveling. The versatility of this timepiece knows no bounds, allowing you limitless possibilities to express your personal style.

History Behind the Rolex GMT-Master II

Introduced in 1954 through a collaboration with Pan American, a prominent airline of the era, the GMT-Master was first invented as a vital tool for long-haul crews. This remarkable timepiece allowed tracking of multiple time zones on a single watch. Its early versions featured a vibrant, multi-colored bezel, with a red section for daytime and a blue portion for nighttime reference.

While originally intended for aviation professionals, the GMT-Master’s Pepsi-colored bezel garnered attention from collectors, propelling its popularity beyond the airline industry. Presently, Rolex exclusively produces the 18K white gold GMT-Master Pepsi (reference number 116719).

Due to its limited production and enduring appeal, acquiring one calls for unwavering dedication from collectors. Notably, numerous celebrities have been spotted donning these iconic watches, further cementing their status in popular culture.

Further Reading: If you’re looking to delve deeper into the world of watchmaking, pay a visit to our terminology guide here to better understand every component of your favorite timepieces.

The GMT-Master II Look

Known for its robustness, the GMT-Master II features an iconic two-color bezel which makes it instantly recognizable.  The ideal watch for jet-setters, It effortlessly displays two time zones concurrently. This watch features traditional hour, minute, and seconds hands, along with a triangle-tipped 24-hour hand. Its bidirectional rotatable bezel has a 24-hour graduated Cerachrom insert, allowing for effortless tracking of local time, reference time, or an alternate time zone. The synchronized date is displayed at 3 o’clock, with luminous markers and hands, aligning perfectly with the local time. Variations in stainless steel, gold, and two-tone combinations are available.

GMT-Master II Materials

The Rolex GMT-Master II watch collection is known not only for its sophisticated design but also for the high-quality materials used. The cases are made from a variety of materials including Rolex’s Oystersteel and gold iterations, which are carefully selected for their durability and elegance and are often combined to create striking two-tone designs. Some GMT-Master models even feature diamond or gemstone-set bezels, dials, or bracelets, adding an extra touch of luxury.

GMT-Master II Models

There are several models available in the GMT-Master collection, each with their own unique features and designs. Every iteration is crafted with attention to detail and employs modern technology to offer practical wear and reliable cross-world timekeeping. While most Rolex GMT-Master styles are targeted towards men, specific models have been designed as genderless or specifically with women in mind, so it’s important to consider individual preferences. All GMT-Master II models are water-resistant up to 100 meters. 

GMT-Master II “Pepsi”: the most popular GMT-Master style, it features a stainless steel case, red and blue ceramic bezel. Available with a Jubilee or Oyster bracelet, and in stainless steel or 18k gold.

GMT-Master II “Batman”: released in 2018, this model has a stainless steel case, black and blue ceramic bezel (hence the name), and a Jubilee bracelet.

GMT-Master II “Coke”: this iteration combines stainless steel and Everose gold, with a black and brown ceramic bezel and Oyster bracelet.

GMT-Master II “Root Beer”: version that features a full Everose gold case and bracelet, and a brown and black ceramic bezel.

GMT-Master II “Batgirl”: introduced in 2019, the “Batgirl” is similar to the “Batman” but features a Jubilee bracelet rather than an Oyster bracelet.

GMT-Master II “Meteorite”: this 2019 model has a white gold case, a black and red meteorite dial, and a red and blue ceramic bezel.

How to Style Your GMT-Master II Watch

Sturdy and practical, the GMT-Master II is water-resistant up to 100 meters, so it can be worn in an array of different settings with ease. Wear it comfortably on your day-to-day routine, to the beach, poolside, to the gym, or to formal gatherings, either solo or stacked with your favorite bracelets for an extra impactful look. Moreover, due to the watch’s inherent design purpose, it is highly recommended to wear the GMT-Master II during overseas trips, ensuring effortless and worry-free timekeeping while traveling. The versatility of this timepiece knows no bounds, allowing you limitless possibilities to express your personal style.

History Behind the Rolex GMT-Master II

Introduced in 1954 through a collaboration with Pan American, a prominent airline of the era, the GMT-Master was first invented as a vital tool for long-haul crews. This remarkable timepiece allowed tracking of multiple time zones on a single watch. Its early versions featured a vibrant, multi-colored bezel, with a red section for daytime and a blue portion for nighttime reference.

While originally intended for aviation professionals, the GMT-Master’s Pepsi-colored bezel garnered attention from collectors, propelling its popularity beyond the airline industry. Presently, Rolex exclusively produces the 18K white gold GMT-Master Pepsi (reference number 116719).

Due to its limited production and enduring appeal, acquiring one calls for unwavering dedication from collectors. Notably, numerous celebrities have been spotted donning these iconic watches, further cementing their status in popular culture.

Celebrities Wearing the

Rolex GMT-Master II

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