Let's try wearing a Rolex GMT-Master. Introducing three popular models

The GMT Master, Rolex's first pilot's watch, is popular among professional models for its distinctive design. We'll introduce the features and popular models of the GMT Master, which is also useful for business people active worldwide.

What is the Rolex GMT-Master?

What kind of watch is the GMT-Master, a high-performance Rolex model? We explain the history of its creation and its features.

Expanding to the sky after "land" and "sea"

In the 1950s, Rolex was highly praised for its practical watches, the Explorer for land and the Submariner for sea, but it was also a time when the brand was thirsty for ideas for its next successor.

This was a time when post-war aviation technology was experiencing remarkable development, and airline pilots wanted watches that could display two different time zones.

In 1953, Rolex was approached by Pan American World Airways to develop a wristwatch that could simultaneously display the time in two different places. In response to this request, the GMT-Master was announced in 1954 and released the following year.

In 1982, the GMT-Master II was released, which allowed users to check the time in three different places at the same time. Since production of the GMT-Master ended in 1999, the GMT-Master II has inherited all of its features, including its design.

Easy operation to check the time at three locations

The current Rolex GMT-Master II allows you to check the time in up to three locations simultaneously. The GMT hand rotates once every 24 hours, and the hour hand and bezel work together to display the time in three locations.

To check the time in one place, you use the regular hour and minute hands. At this time, you can leave the GMT hand on the bezel, which always points to the same time, and move the hour hand to the time difference between the place you want to know the time in and the place you want to know the time in, with the crown pulled out one notch, to find the time in two places.

Furthermore, while the time in two places is displayed, if you rotate the time difference bezel to indicate the time in another place, the hour and minute hands will indicate the first place, the time indicated by the GMT hand (old time) with 12 o'clock at 24:00 (midnight) will indicate the second place, and the number on the bezel pointed to by the GMT hand will indicate the third place, allowing you to know the time in three places simultaneously.

Main lineup

Let's take a look at the current lineup of GMT-Master models. Understanding the features of each will help you decide which model is best for you.

GMT-Master II 126710BLNR

This model was released in 2019 and replaces the three-link Oyster bracelet used in the previous model, 116710BLNR, with a luxurious five-link Jubilee bracelet.

Like other professional watches, the watch features a Chromalight display, which is highly visible, especially in the dark. This luminous material is applied to the tips of the hour, minute, second and GMT hands, as well as the hour markers, and provides a continuous glow for a long period of time.

The movement has also been changed from the previous Caliber 3186 to the new Caliber 3285. It is fully manufactured in-house by Rolex and boasts an improvement in energy efficiency of approximately 15%.

The case is made of Oystersteel, a highly corrosion-resistant material that is also used in the high-tech and aerospace industries. It is durable and polishable, and retains its beauty even in harsh environments.

GMT-Master II 126719BLRO

This is the only model in the GMT-Master II series that uses meteorite as the dial material. Meteorite is a meteorite, and the dial of this model is also made by carving a real meteorite.

Meteorites, which create extremely rare metal patterns, are highly prized and are more expensive than regular dials, making them the most prestigious of all Rolex models.

The bidirectional rotating bezel features a 24-hour scale and is colour-coded in eye-catching red and blue. Thanks to its ingenious setting, it is easy to read not only the Baume time but also up to two local times for your destination.

The case and bracelet are made of 18K white gold, produced in the company's own foundry, and the alloy is made from extremely pure metals that are meticulously tested in the company's own laboratory.

GMT-Master II 126711CHNR

Everose Rolesor, a combination of Oystersteel and Everose gold, is used on the GTM-Master II model.

Rolesor, which combines the brilliance and elegance of gold with the robustness and reliability of Oystersteel, is an iconic Rolex model with a beautiful and elegant finish.

Another distinctive feature is the three-link Oyster bracelet, which combines form and function. It is robust and comfortable to wear, and the Easylink allows the bracelet length to be adjusted by approximately 5mm.

It has the same black dial and the new caliber Cal. 3285 as the GMT-Master II 126710BLNR.

How to choose

We'll explain how to choose your favorite one, taking into consideration both design and price.

Choose by scene or type

The GMT-Master II, a professional watch for pilots, would look natural in a business setting if it were available in a black-based model, and it matches well with a variety of suits.

On the other hand, if you want to experience a different style from traditional Rolex, we recommend a model like the 126719BLRO, which combines a red and blue bezel with a meteorite dial.

If you're looking for a stylish design, choose the 126710BLNR, which features a blue and black color scheme and a Jubilee bracelet, making it the most distinctive watch in the series.

Get your hands on a GMT-Master

The GMT II Master is a pilot's watch equipped with a GMT hand that allows you to keep track of the time in three different locations. While a number of new models were released in 2019, the older 116710 series remains popular.

The new model features unique bezel colors and bracelets, creating a design that allows you to enjoy a different style while still retaining the essence of Rolex. Find your favorite one to suit your preferences and the occasion.