Rolex have unveiled two new GMT Master II models at this years Watches and Wonders with a 2-tone in “Rolesor” yellow gold model and an all 18k yellow gold model, both with a new grey and black ceramic bezel – a new colour combination for the brand.
If you’re a well off Jet-setter and the current steel GMT Master II models are not cutting it, then good news! Rolex has added two new models to the already impressive line up of GMT Master II models. These now give you up to three options in precious metal – Rose Gold, White Gold and now 18k Yellow Gold. And for the 2-tone lover, the Yellow Rolesor variant adds to the 2-tone Rose Gold “Rootbeer”
Before we get into each model, lets first take a look at what is standard across the two. Firstly a two-colour, 24-hour graduated monobloc Cerachrom bezel insert in grey – a new shade – and black ceramic. At first glance, the bezel does look like all black, but look closer and you’ll see the subtle night/day variation in the dark grey. On the dial, the name ‘GMT-Master II’ is in a powdered yellow colour. Both of these new versions are fitted on a Jubilee bracelet, and standard across the collection – an Oysterlock clasp and the Easylink comfort extension link.
Both of the versions have the Rolex Calibre 3285. Released in 2018, the movement is at the forefront of watchmaking technology, enabling it to display the date and an additional time zone in 24-hour format, as well as the hours, minutes and seconds. Adding to this, it utilises Rolex’s Chronergy escapement, made of nickel-phosphorus, and is resistant to strong magnetic fields. The movement is fitted with a blue Parachrom hairspring, and includes a 70 hour power reserve.
2-Tone Yellow Rolesor
The 2-tone Yellow Rolesor model works well on the Jubilee bracelet, with the yellow gold inner links pairing nicely with the gold on the outer bezel’s gnarling, the 24 hour inset markets on the bezel and flowing through to the yellow GMT Master II writing on the dial. Personally, I’m not a fan of yellow gold, and especially 2-tone yellow gold on the Oyster bracelet, but somehow, this just works.
The grey ‘day’ portion of the 24hr bezel does seem to somewhat blend into the black ‘night’ top portion a little, but this could just be the press pics and hopefully will have slightly more of a differentiation in the actual light. In saying this, the effect of the grey and black ceramic does look good, and something of a more subtle 2 colour ceramic dial compared to say the Batman or Pepsi, and not so monochromatic as the Green Arrow.
18k Full Yellow Gold
One of the many aspects that I like about Rolex is the fact that they have their own foundry, and craft their precious metals in house, thus controlling the exact colours based on the different additives used, such as silver, copper, platinum or palladium, depending if you want, Rose, Yellow, of White Gold.
The GMT Master II is 18k Yellow Gold is not an under the radar watch, nor should it be. Lets face it, no gold watch really is. However, there is very much a place for a gold watch, and the shade of yellow gold isn’t too ostentatious, and like their steel, has more of a deeper hue and lustre about it. The Jubilee bracelet also gives this model an added bonus of the inner links reflecting the light differently, so you get a nice but subtle contrast on the bracelet compared to a flat link Oyster bracelet.
Final Thoughts
The new GMT Master II models have added to an already impressive GMT line up for Rolex. It gives potential buyers more options now, and depending on budget and personal style, a wide range to chose from. The Jubilee bracelet works on both models, and helps to make the yellow gold on both a bit less…gold. This is perfect for people wanting that touch of luxury in the precious metal, but not wanting that real yellow gold look. That was for the 70’s and 80’s!
Reference: 126713 GRNR (Rolesor) / 126718 GRNR (18k Yellow)
Specifications:
- Case: 40mm diameter, 11.9mm thick
- Case Material: Rolesor (18k yellow gold/904L Steel) / 18k Yellow Gold
- Dial: Black lacquer with hour markers in 18 ct yellow gold with highly legible Chromalight. Hands in 18 ct yellow gold, Chromalight filled.
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, cyclops lens over the date with double sided anti-reflective coating
- Bezel: 18 ct yellow gold, bidirectional rotatable. 24-hour graduated monobloc two-colour Cerachrom insert in grey and black ceramic; moulded, recessed graduations and numerals coated with yellow gold via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition)
- Water resistance: 100 metres, screw-down triplock crown and oyster case
- Movement: Rolex 3285 – automatic self-winding perpetual accurate to -2/+2 seconds per day. Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairsprin & High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers
- Power reserve: 70 Hours
- Bracelet: Jubilee, five-piece solid links. Polished centre links, satin-finished outer links with polished edges and ceramic inserts. 18k Yellow Gold or 2-tone Yellow Rolesor with centre links in 18k Yellow gold, outer links satin-finished steel
- Clasp: Oysterlock folding safety clasp withh Easylink comfort extension link (approx. 5 mm)
- Warranty: 5 years factory warranty
