Looking for the ultimate travel watch? The Rolex GMT Master is deeply rooted in aviation history. It was the first of its kind to simultaneously display two time zones, making it a convenient and reliable choice for transatlantic travel.
Rolex GMT Master History
Rolex partnered with Pan American Airlines for their 1954 release of the Rolex GMT Master (Ref 6542). The watch was a significant step forward since it could simultaneously track two time zones where the local hour hand and GMT hand moved together around the dial. This offered an important and necessary function for pilots and crew looking for a reliable and versatile watch while traveling on long-haul flights.
“When looking for a sports Rolex model, the most undervalued watch out there is the Rolex GMT.” Joe DeMesy, Owner
Rolex GMT Master II
In 1982, the Rolex GMT Master II was released with similar features to the original GMT Master; however, there was one significant modification – the GMT and 12-hour hand could now be set independently, which allowed travelers to track not two, but three-time zones at once.
The Rolex GMT Master II evolved while retaining the classic design elements of the 1950s. Today, watch collectors can choose from several types of bezels, dial colors, and metals that fit their fancy.
Here’s a curated list of Rolex GMT Master II watches currently available on DeMesy.com:
Rolex GMT-Master II Men’s Watch (Ref 116710)
This Rolex GMT Master II Men’s Watch features a stainless steel case, a 24-hour ceramic black bezel, a black dial with luminous markers, and a green GMT hand.
Rolex GMT-Master II Men’s Collectors Special Watch (Ref 16718)
This Collectors Special Rolex GMT Master II Men’s Watch features an 18K yellow gold case and Oyster bracelet with rotating bezel and black dial with luminous markers.
Rolex GMT – Master II Men’s 2-Tone Watch (Ref 16713)
For the best of both worlds, the Rolex GMT – Master II Men’s 2-Tone Watch features an 18K yellow gold and stainless steel Oyster bracelet, an 18K yellow gold bezel with a black dial and luminous markers.
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“When purchasing a pre-owned Rolex GMT, I would say that you should look for any scratches or dents on the bezel and always make sure you look at the Oyster bracelet for any kind of stretch.” Joe DeMesy, Owner
Rolex GMT Master II ‘Batman’ /’Batgirl’ Stainless Steel Men’s Watch (Ref 126710 BLNR)
Rolex GMT Master II ‘Batman’ Watch featuring a stainless steel case and Jubilee bracelet, a 24-hour rotatable, black and blue cerachrom bezel and black dial with luminous hour markers.
The Rolex GMT Master II with a black and blue dial is nicknamed, “Batman” or “The Dark Knight.” The bezel provides a quick read for day versus night with the evening hours (18-6) shaded in black and daylight hours (6-18) shaded in blue. Nowadays the ROLEX GMT Master is nicknamed “Batgirl” when paired with a jubilee bracelet.
Rolex GMT – Master II ‘Pepsi’ Stainless Steel Men’s Watch (Ref 126710 BLRO)
The Rolex GMT Master II ‘Pepsi’ Watch features a stainless steel case and Jubilee bracelet, a 24-hour rotatable red and blue cerachrom bezel, and black dial with luminous hour markers.
The Rolex GMT Master II with a blue and red dial is nicknamed “Pepsi.” The bezel on this watch features a quick read for day versus night. The evening hours (18-6) are shaded in blue and the daylight hours (6-18) are shaded in red. Additionally, the steel “Pepsi” is the first Rolex sports watch that has a five-piece-link Jubilee bracelet, which was previously reserved for Datejust models.
Rolex GMT-Master II ‘Root Beer’ Men’s Watch (Ref 16713)
This Rolex GMT Master II ‘Root Beer’ Watch features stainless steel and 18K yellow gold Oyster bracelet, a stainless steel bezel with brown and gold insert, and a brown dial with luminous style markers.
So, if you’re looking for new or modern pre-owned watches like the Rolex GMT Master, please don’t hesitate to call. Here at DeMesy & Company, we’re are always happy to “talk watches,” and the GMT-Master is one of our favorites!
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