The Rolex GMT-Master II stands as a paragon of precision, durability, and iconic design in the world of timekeeping. Birthed in 1954 at the request of Pan American World Airways, it was crafted to meet the demands of aviation professionals needing a watch capable of displaying multiple time zones. This functional necessity gave rise to its unique 24-hour hand and a rotatable 24-hour graduated bezel, allowing for simultaneous reading of two different time zones.
Today’s iterations of the Rolex GMT-Master II steel models are the most popular editions of the collection. Celebrated for their robustness and adaptability, these timepieces are meticulously crafted with Oystersteel, a high-quality stainless steel variant formulated by Rolex, renowned for its durability and timeless aesthetic. This combination of functionality and design has cemented the steel GMT-Master II’s place as a revered item in horological circles.
Let’s take a look at the options available within the current range of Rolex GMT-Master II steel models.
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Current Editions of Rolex GMT-Master II Steel Models
Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi 126710 BLRO
The Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi 126710 BLRO, introduced in 2018, represents a pivotal advancement in the GMT-Master II series. It succeeded the 116710 model and brought forth several notable upgrades. Key among these is the inclusion of the Caliber 3285 movement, a significant leap in terms of efficiency, boasting a 70-hour power reserve, improved resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, and overall enhanced precision.
The aesthetic updates are equally noteworthy. The watch features a newly designed case that offers a more refined and contemporary profile. This model initially came with a Jubilee bracelet, a nod to Rolex’s classic styling, known for its elegance and comfort. In 2020, Rolex expanded the options for the 126710 BLRO, introducing it with an Oyster bracelet, thereby appealing to those preferring a more robust and sportier look.
The Pepsi moniker, derived from its distinctive red and blue Cerachrom bezel, is not only iconic but also functional, as it represents day and night in the GMT display. This bezel is made from Rolex’s patented Cerachrom material, ensuring resistance to scratches and fading. The dial features Chromalight display, known for its blue luminescence, enhancing legibility in low-light conditions.
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Rolex GMT-Master II Batgirl 126710 BLNR
The Rolex GMT-Master II Batgirl 126710 BLNR, introduced in 2019 as a successor to the original Batman model, marks a significant evolution in the GMT-Master II line. One of its standout features is the Rolex Caliber 3285 movement, renowned for its enhanced efficiency, boasting a 70-hour power reserve and superior reliability. This movement is a testament to Rolex’s commitment to precision and durability in watchmaking.
Aesthetically, the Batgirl is distinguished by its iconic blue and black Cerachrom bezel, a color scheme that earned its predecessor, the Batman, its nickname. This bezel is not just visually striking but also highly functional, offering exceptional scratch and fade resistance, a hallmark of Rolex’s Cerachrom technology. The watch maintains the classic 40mm case size, ensuring a presence on the wrist that is substantial yet comfortable.
A significant update in the Batgirl is the introduction of the Jubilee bracelet. This choice of bracelet brings a touch of elegance and comfort to the watch, a departure from the sportier Oyster bracelet typically associated with the GMT-Master II line. The Jubilee bracelet complements the watch’s overall design, offering a more refined and versatile look.
The Batgirl also features standard Rolex hallmarks such as a Cyclops lens over the date display and a water resistance of up to 100 meters. These features underscore the watch’s functionality as a robust timepiece suitable for both casual and formal settings.
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Rolex GMT-Master II Batman 126710 BLNR
The Rolex GMT-Master II Batman 126710 BLNR, a follow up to the Batgirl edition with a Jubilee bracelet, underwent a significant update in 2021 with the reintroduction of the Oyster bracelet. This change heralded a return to a more classic, robust aesthetic, synonymous with the original Rolex Batman GMT-Master II 116710 of 2013.
The watch is powered by the advanced Caliber 3285 movement, known for its improved efficiency and reliability, including a 70-hour power reserve.
The 40mm Oystersteel case is emblematic of Rolex’s commitment to durability and quality. The Batman features a Cerachrom bezel, which is highly resistant to scratches and UV exposure, ensuring that the iconic blue and black colors remain vibrant over time. The Chromalight display on the dial enhances legibility in low-light conditions, emitting a long-lasting blue glow.
Water-resistant up to 100 meters, the watch is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing. The combination of the Oyster bracelet and the GMT functionality makes the Batman 126710 BLNR a versatile timepiece, ideal for global travelers and watch enthusiasts alike. Its popularity is reflected in its demand and prestige in the luxury watch market.
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Rolex GMT-Master II Sprite 126720
The Rolex GMT-Master II Sprite 126720, introduced in 2022, is a groundbreaking model in the GMT-Master II series. It stands out as the first Rolex GMT-Master to feature a green-and-black combination on its Cerachrom bezel, introducing a vibrant and unique aesthetic to the collection. The Sprite is also notable for being the first left-handed Rolex GMT-Master II, a significant design shift that caters to a broader range of wearers.
The watch is powered by the reliable Caliber 3285 movement, offering a 70-hour power reserve and enhanced efficiency. Its 40mm Oystersteel case ensures durability and resistance to corrosion, maintaining Rolex’s high standards of quality and craftsmanship. The Sprite is available with both Jubilee and Oyster bracelets, offering versatility in style and comfort.
In addition to its functional prowess, the model’s distinctive color scheme, the green and black bezel, adds a fresh and modern flair to the iconic design. This model, resistant to water up to 100 meters, continues to embody the GMT-Master II’s legacy of combining practicality with luxurious design, making it a significant addition to the Rolex family.
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Final Thoughts
The Rolex GMT-Master II series, through these steel models, continues to epitomize the fusion of functionality with timeless design. They not only serve as reliable instruments for world travelers but also stand as symbols of horological excellence.
Rolex GMT-Master II steel watches embody the spirit of innovation and tradition that Rolex is renowned for, making them not just timepieces, but treasures of enduring value in the world of luxury watches.
Explore our vast selection of Rolex GMT-Master II watches, along with thousands of authentic, pre-owned watches from the world’s best brands, at SwissWatchExpo.com.
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