In the 1950s, Rolex was pretty busy churning out classic after classic, including the Datejust and the Submariner. Along the way, in 1955, after Pan-Am airlines called for Swiss watchmakers to make a timepiece that could give you the time in two different time zones to aid its pilots. Rolex answered the call with the GMT-Master, which got a second iteration in the 1980s with the GMT-Master II, adding an independently adjustable hour hand, thus kickstarting the golden age of the “true” GMT watch and remaining a benchmark for the category. Today for Watches and Wonders in Geneva, the Crown debuted a new version of its flagship GMT-Master II with a new bezel option.
Available in either Oyster or Jubilee bracelets, the GMT-Master II is not made with a black and gray ceramic bezel, which brings a certain monochromatic appeal to the overall aesthetic, as it’s paired with a black dial. Like already existing versions of the travel watch, the new edition (ref. 126710GRNR) is housed in a 40mm stainless steel case with 100m of water resistance and applied white gold indices on the dial and Chromalight lume on the hands and hour markers. The GMT function is powered by the in-house Caliber 3285 automatic movement, with 70 hours of power reserve.
While we love this black-and-gray version, many fans were hoping instead for a “Coke” or “Blueberry” bezel. Since its debut in the ‘80s, and even its predecessor’s debut in the ‘50s, the GMT-Master II has been known for its red-and-blue “Pepsi” bezel or even its black-and-blue “Batman bezel, so this new black-and-gray option (“Black Panther?”) is notable for its lack of contrast. However, Rolex did make sure to include an interesting detail with a green GMT hand (with a white tip) and some green dial text.
Priced at $10,700, the GMT-Master II in black and gray is available now from Rolex. Head to their website to learn more.
