Rolex Unveils Brand New GMT-Master II

For the first time ever, Rolex is presenting the GMT-Master II in Oystersteel alongside a Cerachrom bezel insert!

Watches and Wonders 2024 is truly underway, and everyone’s eyes have been on what Rolex has been cooking up. While no major updates have occurred, there are some new models that are sure to catch the eyes of the consumer. One of these is the latest GMT-Master II, dubbed already as the “Bruce Wayne”.

This latest GMT may not be what the watch fanatics were hoping for, with rumours of a “Coke” and blue bezel black dial (blueberry) model making its way around the web; however, it’s safe to say the watch is a totally new colour variation, one that is a lot more subtle in appearance compared to the other GMT-Master II references.

So, what’s so special about this new GMT from Rolex? The brand states that this is the first time the GMT-Master II in Oystersteel is presented with the Cerachrom bezel insert in grey and black ceramic. There was an all-black bezel version released in 2007, but not the two-tone colour option we are getting today. Rolex is introducing this model in two versions: One with the Oyster bracelet and the other with the Jubilee bracelet.

Since the introduction of the GMT Master back in 1955, this is certainly the first time the model has been presented in almost a monochrome colour theme. Rolex states that the reasoning behind this latest colour choice for the model is that “this muted colour contrast subtly evokes the alternation of day and night.” It’s quite fitting for a timepiece used to identify dual time zones.

For those who are new, the GMT-Master II is a highly sought-after Rolex timepiece. Like other GMT models, the watch can display the time in two time zones simultaneously: either the local time and a reference time, or the local time and that of an alternative time zone. The 24-hour Cerachrom bezel insert, now displayed in a grey and black theme, has moulded and recessed graduations and numerals coated in platinum thanks to the process of Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD). This “24-hour” scale on the bezel is what’s used to read the dual time zone.

Another aesthetic change for this latest GMT-Master II is the green 24-hour hand, alongside the green “GMT-MASTER II” inscription on the dial. The 24-hour hand retains the triangular tip, filled with Chromalight alongside the other hands and hour indices, for easy visibility during low-light conditions. The green 24-hour hand does stand out quite well, considering the black and grey colour tones that surround it.

As stated earlier, this GMT-Master II is offered on either an Oyster bracelet or a Jubilee bracelet. The Oyster bracelet was originally developed in the 1930s, and its design features a three-piece link configuration. The Oyster bracelet is presented universally throughout Rolex’s timepieces. The Jubilee bracelet, on the other hand, offers a more aesthetic look. Designed for comfortable wear, the Jubilee bracelet is a five-piece link design, which was originally created for the Oyster Perpetual Datejust in 1945. Both bracelet designs come with an Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening, and also Rolex’s Easylink comfort extension link, which allows the wearer to adjust the bracelet length by up to 5mm.

Beating inside this new GMT-Master II is Rolex’s calibre 3285 movement. Released in 2018, the Rolex states that the calibre 3285 movement “incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, this escapement is resistant to strong magnetic fields. The movement is fitted with a blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy. The hairspring offers great stability in the face of temperature variations as well as high resistance to shocks. It is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring the calibre’s regularity in any position. The oscillator is mounted on the Rolex-designed, patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movement’s shock resistance.“

Final Thoughts

While it may not be the bezel colour combination many were hoping for, I think it now provides an understated appearance to what is otherwise a colourful collection. The monochromatic colour theme of this new GMT-Master II gives consumers who prefer a more subtle look a new option. The previous editions of the GMT still appear to be on the website, so it’s not like this model is replacing the previous GMT-Master II. Personally, I think this model will look great on the Jubilee bracelet.

Reference: 126710GRNR

Specification

• Case: 40mm
• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Dial:  Black dial with applied white gold index with Chromalight on hands and hour indices.
• Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an anti-glare coating on both sides
• Water resistance: 100m (10 Bar)
• Movement: Rolex’s in-house Calibre 3285 movement
• Movement Frequency: 4hz (28,800 VpH)
• Power reserve: 70 hours.
• Bracelet: Oyster three-link bracelet or Jubille five-link bracelet. Both options come with Oysterlock folding safety clasp and Rolex’s Easylink comfort extension link.

Australian Recommended Retail Price: $17,500 AUD

Availability: Non-limited. Available for purchase through Rolex boutiques or selected retailed partners. For configurations, head to rolex.com