Rolex - Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II Ref. 126710 BLRO

On occasion of Baselworld 2018, Rolex is extending its GMT-Master II range with a new version in Oystersteel, equipped with a bi-directional rotatable bezel and a 24-hour graduated two-colour Cerachrom insert in red and blue ceramic (aka Pepsi).

Originally designed to aid airline pilots in their navigation, the GMT-Master has become an unmistakable icon. Over the years its emblematic bezel has been presented in various colours, in both single and two-coloured combinations.

The new Cerachrom insert in red and blue ceramic calls to mind the colours chosen for the first GMT-Master, launched in 1955.

With a traditional hour, minute and seconds display via hands; a 24-hour hand; and a bidirectional rotatable bezel with a 24-hour graduated Cerachrom insert, it is possible to read the time in two time zones at once: either the local time and a reference time, or the local time and another time zone as desired. The date, shown at 3 o’clock, is synchronized with the local time display.

The lugs and sides of its Oyster case have been redesigned, and the watch is fitted on a five-link Jubilee bracelet. The GMT-Master II’s Oyster case is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet).

Two other versions of the GMT-Master II introduce 18 ct Everose gold to the range for the very first time. The first is crafted entirely from this refined, exclusive alloy, and the second is available in an Everose Rolesor version, combining Oystersteel and 18 ct Everose gold. On the dials of both watches, the name “GMT-Master II” is inscribed in powdered rose. The bezels are fitted with two-colour Cerachrom inserts in a black and newly developed brown ceramic.

These new versions are equipped with the new-generation calibre 3285, at the forefront of watchmaking technology. With 10 patent applications filed over the course of its development, the movement is equipped with a Chronergy escapement and guarantees a power reserve of approximately 70 hours.

An optimized blue Parachrom hairspring is fitted to the oscillator, the true heart of the watch. Patented and manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive paramagnetic alloy, it is up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks.

Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015 and applied to the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement to guarantee precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding. The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer after casing is of the order of −2/+2 seconds per day.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II Ref. 126710 BLRO in stainless steel is priced at Swiss Francs 8,800 / Euro 8,400 / US$ 9,250. rolex.com