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Rolex GMT-Master
- 100% Authentic watches
- Safe delivery or pick-up
- Warranty and easy returns
- 100% Authentic watches
- Safe delivery or pick-up
- Warranty and easy returns
Rolex GMT-Master II
Rolex GMT-Master II "Pepsi" Oyster 126710BLRO
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Rolex GMT-Master
An absolute icon, the Rolex GMT-Master was created to display two time zones for pilots and globetrotters, and it's been doing so with style for over 60 years. Released in 1955, it catered to Pan Am Airways pilots, letting them track multiple time zones simultaneously. The GMT-Master gained fame in movies too, with appearances in James Bond films and in 'Magnum, P.I.' featuring its distinctive blue and red Pepsi bezel.
The History of the Rolex GMT-Master
The history of the Rolex GMT-Master goes back to 1955 when the Pan American World Airways asked the Genevan watchmaker to produce a timepiece enabling their pilots to track time at home and their destination. Rolex produced the GMT-Master for 44 years with slight adjustments to the original 1955 design. It features a bidirectional 24-hour bezel and a second hour hand completing a full rotation every day. Like other Rolex icons such as the Datejust, Daytona, or Submariner, the rare four-digit references are highly prized.
The GMT-Master journey began with ref 6542, produced from 1955 to 1959, distinguished by its Bakelite bezel. Today, it's priced around €80.000 to €120.000. Later models such as the 1675 are collector favorites, with values soaring above €25.000. The last GMT-Master, refs 16700 and 16710, represent more accessibly priced options in the lineup.
GMT-Master Rootbeer & Nipple Dial
Once dominating the scene, stainless steel models of the GMT-Master were immensely popular. Rolex also ventured into exotic models in white or yellow gold and the two-tone styles, featuring stainless steel with yellow gold. The ref 16753 is the original 'Root Beer,' with a two-tone style and brown aluminum bezel insert. Its indices, dial, and bezel colors render it a standout vintage piece, complete with a two-tone Jubilee bracelet reminiscent of the Rolex Datejust.
The 'Nipple Dial' GMT-Master, another exotic iteration, flaunts smaller gold indices that protrude more prominently than in other models. Its yellow gold bracelet and case frame a black aluminum bezel with golden markers, making it a striking 80s relic priced around €24.000 pre-owned or vintage.
Calibers on the GMT-Master
Over the years, Rolex has maintained a consistent aesthetic for the GMT-Master, while its heart, the calibre, has evolved. Initially powered by the 1565 caliber, the model transitioned to the 3075 caliber from 1979 to 1988, enhancing water resistance from 5 to 10 bar. This was further refined with the introduction of the 3175 caliber in later models, reflecting Rolex's commitment to precision and reliability.
The GMT-Master II
Nowadays, the Rolex GMT-Master II stands as the evolved successor to the original. Introduced in the early 80s with sapphire crystal and the red and black 'Coke' or 'Pepsi' bezels, it features the 3085 caliber, simplifying local time adjustments. In 2007, Rolex refined the GMT-Master II with a black ceramic bezel and a heftier Oyster case, while preserving the iconic 1955 aesthetic.
The market for the GMT-Master series is as dynamic as ever. With the resurgence of vintage trends, particular interest is buzzing around older models like the 'Pepsi' and 'Batman'. These watches captivate due to their iconic designs and pop culture associations. Modern enthusiasts often seek these on the grey market, where prices sometimes exceed retail due to high demand and scarcity.
Prices for the Rolex GMT-Master
Vintage four-digit references from Rolex remain popular amongst collectors and enthusiasts. For instance, the GMT-Master 6542, with its Bakelite Pepsi bezel and 1030 caliber, costs around €50.000 for a vintage or pre-owned model. The 1675, once inexpensive, now fetches about €35.000 on Wristler due to its desirability. Newer models like the 16700 or the 16710 are more affordable, with prices ranging between €12.000 and €19.000 for well-maintained examples.