Steel and a grey and black Cerachrom bezel: the Rolex GMT-Master II in an almost monochrome version displays one of its most sober and classic interpretations of the characteristic two-tone bezel.
1950s: the first mass-produced dual time-zone model is born, the Rolex GMT-Master expressly for airline pilots and became the official watch of Pan American World Airways. An innovative feature was the additional central hour hand, which made one complete revolution every 24 hours, always remaining linked to the main hour hand, and indicating the time of another location on the rotating bezel (with 24 hour markers). In 1982, the switch to independent adjustment of the main hour hand (local time) marked the birth of its evolution: the GMT-Master IIwith the possibility of displaying a second additional time zone.
One of the most important and functional elements of this model is the bezel, monochrome or two-tone, which has changed over time from plexiglass to anodised aluminium first, and then to Cerachrom. With the use of ceramic, the bezel benefited from an improvement in terms of shock and scratch resistance, colour intensity and legibility. If 2018 marked the return of the red and blue 'Pepsi' bezel on the steel version (reminiscent of the 1955 model) and the following year saw the return of the black and blue 'Batman', in 2022 the left-handed version introduced a green and black livery.
First time GMT-Master II in Oystersteel with two-tone black and grey bezel
Oyster or Jubilee bracelet: two versions made by Rolex.
Last year, however, Rolex brought a new shade to the 24-hour graduated bezel in grey and black ceramic, limiting it to the Rolesor and all-yellow gold versions. Until now, however, because the brand has returned to the theme by bringing the grey and black bezel to the Oystersteel. The result is a GMT-Master II with an almost monochrome look, with a few exceptions of green given by the model name on the dial and the 24-hour hand.
It is offered in both Oyster and Jubilee bracelet versions. The latter, with five links, was made specifically for the Datejust in 1945 and was named to celebrate Rolex's 40th anniversary. The Jubilee version gives the GMT-Master II a retro-style appeal that is well suited to a model steeped in history.
A new generation Rolex movement
Rolex's patented Chronergy escapement: it combines high energy efficiency with great reliability.
From a technical point of view Rolex had already introduced a new movement on the GMT-Master II a few years ago: the automatic calibre 3285. In terms of functionality, the 24-hour hand marks home time and the date hand is synchronised with the local time hand in the centre.
The power reserve is 70 hours, thanks to the barrel architecture and the superior performance of the Chronergy escapementused on the new generation of Rolex calibres.
Price11,200 euro.
