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GMT-Master II

Introduced: 1983 (as GMT-Master II; original GMT-Master debuted in 1955)

Purpose / Inspiration:
The GMT-Master II was born for the jet age. In the 1950s, Pan Am pilots needed a wristwatch that could track multiple time zones as they flew across continents. Rolex answered with the original GMT-Master. But in 1983, the GMT-Master II took that concept further—allowing independent adjustment of the hour hand without stopping the movement. This wasn’t just a pilot’s tool anymore; it became the definitive travel companion, equally at home in a cockpit or a boardroom.

Designer:
The GMT-Master II was developed by Rolex’s internal innovation team, building on the original design language of the legendary René-Paul Jeanneret, who helped define the Submariner and Explorer lines. The goal: functional evolution, not reinvention. Its now-iconic two-tone bezel and fourth hand became instantly recognisable worldwide.

Case size:

  • Classic: 40mm Oyster case (standard across most references)
  • Other sizes:
    • No significant variations; GMT-Master II has always been 40mm
  • Robust Oyster case with wide lugs and Triplock crown
  • Updated lugs and proportions introduced with the “Super Case” in Ref. 116710
  • Slimmer lugs and refined shape returned with Ref. 1267XX generation

Case options:

  • Stainless steel (Oystersteel—904L grade)
  • Two-tone (Rolesor – steel and yellow or Everose gold)
  • Full 18k yellow gold or Everose gold
  • White gold (notably used in Pepsi and meteorite dial versions)
  • Sapphire crystal with Cyclops date magnifier
  • Screw-down Triplock crown, solid caseback
  • Brushed and polished surfaces for modern refinement

Powered by:

  • Automatic in-house movements:
    • Caliber 3186 (used in earlier 116710 models)
    • Caliber 3285 (current Ref. 126710/126711/126715 models)
  • Power reserve: ~70 hours (Cal. 3285)
  • Independent local hour hand adjustment (true traveller’s GMT)
  • COSC + Superlative Chronometer certified
  • Parachrom hairspring, Chronergy escapement for anti-magnetic and shock resistance

Bezel:

  • Bidirectional 24-hour rotating bezel
  • Ceramic Cerachrom insert—extremely scratch-resistant, fade-resistant
  • Two-tone colours:
    • Black/blue (“Batman”)
    • Red/blue (“Pepsi”)
    • Black/red (“Coke,” historical only—not in current production)
    • Black/brown (“Root Beer”)
  • Engraved numerals filled with platinum or gold via PVD

Dial options:

  • Glossy black lacquer (standard on most models)
  • White gold models may feature meteorite dial
  • Applied white gold hour markers filled with Chromalight (blue lume)
  • Mercedes hands with luminescence
  • Cyclops date window at 3 o’clock
  • Subtle dial text updates over time (“GMT-Master II” colouration, “Swiss Made” font changes)

Water resistance:

  • 100m
  • Safe for swimming or shallow diving
  • Triplock crown for strong water sealing

Bracelet:

  • Oyster bracelet (brushed outer, polished centre links)
  • Jubilee bracelet (five-link, dressier option for steel models)
  • Oysterlock clasp with Easylink extension (5mm adjustability)
  • Solid end links, robust feel, perfectly integrated with case

Still in production and among Rolex’s most coveted sports models. With years-long waitlists and exploding secondary prices, the GMT-Master II—especially the Pepsi and Batman—is one of the hardest watches to obtain at retail.

Why it matters:
The GMT-Master II is the ultimate travel watch. Functional, elegant, instantly recognisable—it bridges Rolex’s legacy of aviation and luxury. That fourth hand isn’t a gimmick; it’s a link to the golden age of exploration and the global lifestyle of today. Whether you’re flying commercial or private, or just crossing time zones in your mind, this is the Rolex that tells the world: you’re going places.

Bold. Functional. Iconic.
For Those Who Live Between Time Zones and Terminals.

If You Want the One That Travels in Style, This Is It
From Cockpit to Conference Room—The GMT-Master II Is Always on Time

References for GMT-Master II