Introduction: A New Era of Global Timekeeping
The world is shrinking more and more with every new flight and expanding with each new ambition, yet no new product has come close to the GMT-Master in providing a solution for managing our time across all these new frontiers. When it comes to time travel, this watch is perfect for it.
For a long time, people have respected the Rolex GMT-Master for being not only a precise timekeeper but also an elegant watch, making it a symbol of adventure and luxury. In this article, we dive into three contemporary versions of the GMT-Master II that combine the watchmaker’s altitudinous craftsmanship with modern technology. These timepieces, each made of different materials and designed in different ways, do much more than tell time—they carry the legacy of the watch worn by some of history’s most discerning adventurers.
Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi White Gold Blue Dial 126719BLRO: A Luxurious Modern Classic
Among the 2025 Rolex offerings, the GMT-Master II 126719BLRO, commonly referred to as the “Pepsi” for its vivid red and blue bezel, really stands out. This watch is made from 18k white gold, elevating its classic design to luxe new levels. It features a 40mm Oyster case, which gives it a presence on the wrist that’s hard to ignore. Yet, somehow, it’s also easy to wear, the heft of the gold balanced by the timepiece’s refined good looks.
This model has as a primary element the two-tone Cerachrom bezel, which is a ceramic insert that preserves the colors of the bezel from fading. It also makes the bezel much more scratch-resistant than other materials. The bezel also pays homage to traditional watchmaking because it is a feature seen in much older watches, and the new tech in the bezel ensures that vibrant colors and strong contrasts will not change with exposure to UV rays (and admittedly, they must not be exposed to direct sunlight for much of the day), for which a meridian of 110 (Cerachrom green) will not be visible. To accompany the bezel, there’s the exclusive blue dial. Not only is the blue-shaded dial a former Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller design exclusive, but it seems to be in family with the cerulean dial of the Rolex Quasimodo.
Under this stunning exterior lies the very essence of the watch: the Rolex Caliber 3285. Completely created and put together by Rolex, the movement possesses an astonishing 70-hour power reserve and is animated by a self-winding mechanism that offers quite literally unbeatable precision. This is a watch that can tell not just one, but three, different time zones simultaneously—and do so with the traditional hands, the 24-hour hand, and a rotating bezel that’s a model of easy and intuitive consultation.
Rolex GMT-Master II watch: 18 kt white gold – m126719blro-0003
The “Root Beer” Rolex GMT-Master II Everose Gold 126715CHNR: Combining Warmth with Performance
Following this, we focus on the Rolex GMT-Master II 126715CHNR, or “Root Beer” as it is commonly known. This model redefines luxury watches, with construction in 18k Everose gold—that means an 18-karat alloy of gold, copper, and silver, with Everose combining the beauty of rose gold with unrivaled durability.
The most impressive aspect of the Root Beer GMT is the two-tone Cerachrom bezel, made of black and brown ceramics. This color combination is reminiscent of the nostalgic and retro yet cool appeal of past GMT-Master models. The 24-hour scale etched into the bezel is filled with gold to highlight the not just functional but also aesthetic numbers that let you know which half of the day you’re looking at.
The watch’s face is sunny and clear, boldly displaying the time with ever-affordable hour markers and hands that are tastefully outlined in gold for a luxury touch. Powered by the Rockwell 32 movement, the watch is tough as nails, with an performance and a power that lasts approximately 70 hours per wind. As with the next watch, the Root Beer model is built for today’s savvy international traveler, with a straightforward and totally sweet way to track the time in an entirely different 24-hour zone.
The Rolesor Rolex GMT-Master II Oystersteel Yellow Gold 126713GRNR: Elegance in Every Detail
The last contemporary Rolex GMT-Master II model we will examine is the 126713GRNR, which blends Oystersteel with 18k yellow gold. Referred to as the “Rolesor” configuration, this model integrates the robust dependability of stainless steel with the elevated status of yellow gold. The trim on this timepiece creates a visually stunning contrast, making it appropriate for both formal and casual occasions.
The Cerachrom bezel of this timepiece is two-tone. A combination of gray and black ceramic makes for a very elegant and functional bezel. The 24-hour scale that is featured on the bezel, is filled with gold, which not only enhances the luxurious look of the watch, but also gives it excellent legibility. The watch is visually understated as compared to the Pepsi and Root Beer versions, but it is just as robust in terms of performance. The timepiece has a self-winding Caliber 3285 movement.
The GMT-Master II Oystersteel Yellow Gold has the same 70-hour power reserve as other models, making it a watch you can easily rely on for a long duration of almost three days without needing to wind it. The bracelet of the watch is an 18k yellow gold center link and polished links, ensuring that the watch has a good feel when wearing it and that it is flexible and practical.
Rolex GMT-Master II watch: Oystersteel and yellow gold
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Rolex GMT-Master II for the Global Traveler
Each of these three models of the Rolex GMT-Master II presents something unique. They are all extraordinary timepieces, bringing together exceptional functionality and an everlasting style. If it were possible to distill the essence of the Rolex GMT-Master II into one statement, it might go like this: These watches are the ideal companions for world travelers and for those who want to look just as good on the summit of Everest as they do at a cocktail party in Manhattan.
World travelers prize the GMT-Master II for its precision, its history, and its ability to move effortlessly across time zones. More than a watch, the GMT-Master II is an emblem of innovation and a life spent in many places. If you happen to be in the market for a GMT-Master II, rest assured that any model, past or present, is as much a symbol of your global adventures as it is an instrument for telling time. Precision timekeeping is, of course, the raison d’être for any watch.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the Rolex GMT-Master II Models
- Why is the Rolex GMT-Master II so special for frequent travelers?
The Rolex GMT-Master II is famous for its capacity to track several time zones simultaneously, an ability that is especially advantageous for world travelers and business types who need to watch various back-and-forthing parts of the day. With its rotating bezel, 24-hour hand, and spot-on movement, it makes the whole across-the-border time thing simple and unfailingly reliable. - How does the Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi’s design pay homage to the original model?
The “Pepsi” bezel, done in the signature red and blue ceramic colors, is a direct homage to the iconic GMT-Master design that first debuted in the 1950s. Add to that a luxurious white gold case, and you’ve got a timepiece that perfectly balances a modern update and the preserved spirit of the original model. - What is the significance of the Everose gold used in the Root Beer GMT-Master II?
Everose gold is Rolex’s exclusive blend of rose gold, a gold alloy that offers an exceptionally warm, rich color while being modern and, as it turns out, more durable than traditional gold. Everose, like all rose gold alloys, contains copper, which lends an upscale, warm hue to the metal. And unlike traditional rose gold or gold, which can tarnish and fade over time, Everose is alloyed with plating elements that help it turn the clock back whenever it does show signs of wear and tear. - Is the GMT-Master II usable for things other than just keeping time in several different zones?
Definitely. Besides telling multiple time zones, the GMT-Master II is set up to be an incredibly functional wristwatch. Built with travel and topographic navigation in mind, its features are also quite handy for everyday use. It is exceptionally tough, features a very legible dial, and is made with both utility and good looks in mind. - Best Rolex GMT-Master II for a luxury collector?
It depends on the collector’s personal style.
The 126719BLRO Pepsi in white gold is really nice. It has some hefty elegance going on with it. The 126715CHNR Root Beer Everose is quite the looker of a watch. If you like vintage watches, it does a great job of channeling that kind of warmth and look. The 126713GRNR is a balanced blend of ruggedness and luxury, perfect for both everyday and collection scenarios.
Author Bio:
A watch aficionado and purveyor of the luxury lifestyle, John Doe has dedicated—count them—10 years to the timepiece trade. With a fountain pen in one hand and a high-priced watch in the other, he has written for countess journals, specializing in the horological high life.
