The Most Popular Rolex GMT-Master II Watches

In the early 1950s, Rolex conquered the seas with the Submariner, the mountains with the Explorer, and the skies with the GMT. Launched in 1982, Rolex introduced GMT-Master II watches with a new movement for easy use. Its combination of functionality and two-color bezel aesthetics attracted a wider audience of jetsetters. What makes the GMT-Master II so popular is its timelessness and superior technological design.

Take a quick trip with us as we travel through the inception of the Rolex GMT-Master to the impeccable Rolex GMT-Master II.

Launched in 1955, the GMT-Master was designed to show the time in two different time zones for airline pilots crisscrossing the globe. The Concorde was the first supersonic passenger airliner in the 1960s to perform its final test flights while both the British and French pilots were wearing GMT-Master watches. This collection became the official watch of several airlines, including Pan Am.

With the success of the GMT-Master, the Rolex GMT-Master II was introduced in 1982. The collection featured a bidirectional rotatable bezel, self-winding 3285 calibre, Oysterlock safety clasps, and resistance to shocks and magnetic fields. These additional functions remarketed this Rolex icon, appealing to an even larger group of watch enthusiasts and travelers alike.

In 2018, the 18K Everose gold and Everose rolesor versions of the GMT both featured a bezel with a Cerachrom insert in a black and brown ceramic, fitted with a three-piece link Oystersteel bracelet. The name GMT-Master II is inscribed in powdered rose on the dial, which is a first for the collection. In 2019, a white gold version was launched with a meteorite dial, crafted from rare iron meteorite that traveled billions of kilometers across the solar system.

The original 1955 model was divided into two halves: the red corresponds with daylight hours while the blue with night hours. The insert is now available in different color combinations. While the model was initially made from plexiglass, it was replaced by aluminum in 1959 and ceramic in 2005.

The 3285 calibre that is now used on GMT-Master II watches was entirely developed by Rolex. This movement allows travelers to adjust their local time without stopping the watch or affecting its 24-hour hand.

At the heart of the GMT-Master II collection lies a dedication to precision and durability, embodied by the materials meticulously chosen by Rolex. The bezel, a crucial element in the GMT-Master II’s functionality, is often crafted from the proprietary Cerachrom, a high-tech ceramic known for its exceptional hardness and resistance to scratching. This material not only preserves the beauty of the bezel but also ensures that the watch remains as pristine as the moment it left the skilled hands of Rolex artisans.

In the quest for perfection, Rolex has delved into its rich heritage, incorporating materials that echo the glamour of a bygone era. Bakelite, a vintage thermosetting plastic, once graced the bezels of early GMT-Master models. This material adds a touch of nostalgia to these contemporary timepieces. The choice to utilize Bakelite pays homage to the brand’s legacy while infusing a sense of timeless elegance into the design.

Everose gold, a signature alloy exclusive to Rolex, radiates a warm and lustrous glow that captivates the beholder. This 18K rose gold alloy, forged in the brand’s foundry, seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation.

Check out some of the most popular Rolex GMT-Master II watches, and see what Avi & Co. has in stock!

There are four generations of the GMT-Master as well as four generations of the GMT-Master II. However, what sets the two collections apart are the former’s introduction of Everose gold and white gold to their cases. While the original used Bakelite and aluminum bezels, the GMT-Master II added Cerachrom to the mix in 2005.

The biggest and most exciting difference is the time zones. The GMT-Master allowed the wearer to read to time zones simultaneously. With an independent 24-hour hand, the GMT-Master II now has three time zones.

Athletes spotted wearing the Rolex Sprite include soccer players Declan Rice, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Karim Benzema, Neymar, Reece James, and Roger Federer. Robust and versatile, the collection sells for about $32,000. The Oystersteel is highly resistant to corrosion, and it maintains its beauty even in the toughest environments.

In 2022, the Rolex GMT-Master II collection released the Sprite, aptly named for its vibrant green and black Cerachrom bezel. As lefty watches are not very common, it was an instant success. Assembled with a 40 mm black dial, this stainless steel timepiece is equipped with a unidirectional ceramic bezel, a Jubilee bracelet, and a water resistance of 330 feet (100 meters).

Watch enthusiasts were curious and excited to see what it would feel like to wear a flipped crown. The quality and style of the GMT remain the same. However, the crown and date aperture are on the left side of the case instead of the right.

Get your next (or first) Rolex Sprite GMT-Master II from Avi & Co. before the last bubble pops!

The brand introduced the GMT-Master Root Beer into the collection in 1970. The watch picked up its name from the rich tones of the favorite soft drink. Nostalgia reminded watch enthusiasts of the simpler days of sipping root beer floats. The distinguished brown and gold hues of its bezel and dial evoke a sense of sophistication. As brown was the color of the decade, it was no wonder why customers fell in love with the timepiece.

Originally, the watch featured a brown and gold bezel. The vintage feel makes it different than Rolex’s usual sporty look. The intricate details, such as the Cyclops lens and Jubilee bracelet, showcase Rolex’s unwavering commitment to precision.

In 2018, Rolex reintroduced the Root Beer with a black and brown Cerachrom bezel. They dubbed reference #126711CHNR the unofficial Root Beer 2.0. Like the original, it’s also bimetal, but its use of Everose gold is a first for the GMT collection. This reference has outperformed all other Root Beer models, going for twice its original listing price.

Rolex aficionados would agree the status alone makes it a great investment piece. Celebrities spotted wearing the Root Beer include David Beckham, Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, and Clint Eastwood. This is Eastwood’s favorite watch, so much so that he wears it in at least 3 of his films. Eastwood’s character, Frank Horrigan, from In the Line of Fire sports the Rolex Root Beer.

The beautiful collection currently sells for about $26,000 for the dual-colored bracelet and $53,000 for the rose gold bracelet. With the first models of the Root Beer only manufactured in small quantities, they are difficult to find. Rolex predicts they will continue to go up in value in the coming years because of this.

Shop our frothy Rolex Root Beer timepieces before all the root beer floats are gone!

Ever since its launch in 1954, the Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi is one of the most instantly recognizable watches ever created. Pan American Airways commissioned the watch from Rolex, inspiring the iconic blue and red bezel colors. The watch got its name, of course, from the soda can, which catapulted this timepiece into a league of its own.

The Pepsi is one of the most expensive Rolex timepieces because of its reputation and rarity. The collection goes for about $13,000-75,000 depending on the model type, condition, box and papers, and market demand. The bezel color has always remained the same. However, the material was upgraded from Bakelite to aluminum after the need for it during World War II.

1981 saw an enhancement to the Pepsi’s calibre to a self-winding 3075 movement. When you pull out the crown, the seconds hand can stop to enable more accurate timekeeping. Rolex replaced the twinlock crown with the triplock system for the 2014 update on reference #116719BLRO. With a 3186 calibre and blue parachrom hairspring, the Pepsi could now withstand temperature variations and higher magnetic fields.

As of 2022, the Rolex Pepsi is available in a blue or meteorite dial. The stunning meteorite version of the GMT is like the rare ‘Albino,’ but with a much more luxurious statement. At Avi & Co., we currently have a variation of Pepsi timepieces in our collection including stainless steel or white gold, and Oystersteel or Jubilee bracelets.

Celebrities spotted wearing the Pepsi include Daniel Craig, John Mayer, Sylvester Stallone, Trevor Noah, Brad Pitt, Howard Kendrick, and Ben Affleck. This cool collection sells for about $26,000 - $41,000 depending on the condition and reference.

Shop our bubblin’ Rolex Pepsi timepieces before they’ve all been consumed!

The prestigious Coke model was presented in the 1950s, designed to meet the demands of professional aviators and frequent travelers. What sets the GMT-Master II Coke apart is its distinctive bezel, adorned in the red and black color scheme reminiscent of a classic Coca-Cola can. The bezel, often crafted from the robust and scratch-resistant Cerachrom ceramic, ensures that the Coke edition stands the test of time.

Celebrities, synonymous with glamour and refinement, have also been struck by the allure of the GMT-Master II Coke. From renowned actors such as Daniel Craig and Orlando Bloom to jet-setting athletes such as David Beckham, the Coke has graced the wrists of those who appreciate functionality.

The rarity, combined with the unmistakable design, elevates the Coke to a coveted status among watch enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a discerning enthusiast, strapping on the GMT-Master II Coke is an invitation to embrace adventure.

Be sure to check back regularly for Avi & Co.’s in-stock Rolex timepieces.

Alright, enough about drinks. Let’s get to the superheroes.

In 2013, Rolex produced the instant classic black and blue ceramic bezel. It got its nickname from the bold colors worn by the Dark Knight himself. This was the first time Rolex was able to use the complex material Cerachrom to create a two-tone bezel. Cerachrom could hold color better than previous aluminum models. This also ensured resilience and a mesmerizing play of light across its sleek surface. The Batman was now the only stainless steel Rolex GMT at the time, and now it’s a horological hero for the modern age.

Celebrities spotted wearing the Batman include Tom Holland, Roger Federer, Kasper Schmeichel, and Karim Benzema. Join these celebrities and more with a Batman timepiece from Avi & Co. We have different varieties of Batman timepieces, including Jubilee or Oystersteel bracelet.

The brand produced the original Batman until 2018. The following year, they introduced reference #126710BLNR with a five-link 904L Jubilee bracelet. Despite having the same case size, the design aimed to make it feel thinner and rounder on the wrist. The added luminescent material gives the watch a striking blue glow for up to eight hours.

In 2013, the timepiece cost about $6,000, and the value of this quintessential collection has risen three times that amount today. As Rolex stopped producing the original Batman, the price will only continue to rise. Despite its scarcity, it’s here to stay.

Shop our Rolex Batman timepieces before the caped crusader snatches them all!

Aside from these popular Rolex GMT-Master II models, Avi & Co. also has a variety of watches that don’t associate themselves with soda or superheroes. Whether you are seeking a two-tone bracelet, a bezel without the two-color combination, or you want your wrist to drip in diamonds, we’re sure you’ll find exactly what you need.

Avi & Co. is here to make sure your travels are always filled with luxury. Book an appointment with our knowledgeable sales team to try on and purchase a watch from our Rolex GMT-Master II collection. Walk-ins are also always welcome! Visit us at: