Rolex GMT-Master

About the
Rolex GMT-Master

The “GMT” in its name refers to Greenwich Mean Time, which was the global standard for aviation and navigation. Although GMT has since been replaced by Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), the name stuck and the watch has become a legend in its own right.

The original GMT-Master featured a fourth hand (the 24-hour GMT hand) that moved once around the dial every 24 hours and was synchronized with the main 12-hour timekeeping hands. Combined with the rotating 24-hour bezel, this setup allowed pilots and travelers to easily reference a second time zone, such as GMT or their destination’s local time, without guesswork.

In the early 1980s, Rolex introduced the GMT-Master II. At a glance, it looked similar to the original, but inside was a major upgrade: an independently adjustable local hour hand. This meant travelers could change their local time without stopping the watch or affecting the minute and GMT hands, making the watch even more versatile. With this upgrade, users could track not just two but three time zones by rotating the bezel.

One of the most celebrated models from this era is the GMT-Master II reference 16710, especially the version with the red and blue “Pepsi” bezel. Beloved by collectors and world travelers alike, it represents the perfect blend of heritage, functionality, and timeless design.

• GMT-Master: Classic design with linked hour hands
• GMT-Master II: Independent hour hand for easier time zone adjustment

Reference Evolution

The collection has evolved through decades, with improvements in materials, movements, and design. Some of the most notable references include:

• 6542: The original GMT-Master (1954–1959), no crown guards, Bakelite bezel insert
• 1675: Introduced in 1959, longest-running GMT-Master, added crown guards and matte dial
• 16750: Transitional GMT-Master from the 1980s with quickset date and higher-beat movement
• 16753 / 16758: Two-tone and solid gold GMT-Master references from the 1980s
• 16760: First GMT-Master II with thicker case and Coke bezel, nicknamed "Fat Lady"
• 16710: Slimmer GMT-Master II with Pepsi, Coke, and black bezel options
• 116710LN: First ceramic bezel model, introduced in 2007 with green GMT hand
• 116710BLNR: First bi-color ceramic bezel (black and blue), known as "Batman"
• 116713LN / 116718LN: Two-tone and full gold versions with ceramic bezels
• 126710BLRO: Jubilee bracelet Pepsi reissue with upgraded movement
• 126710BLNR: Jubilee Batman, sometimes called "Bruce Wayne"
• 126711CHNR: Two-tone Everose model nicknamed "Root Beer"
• 126715CHNR: Full Everose gold version of the Root Beer
• 126720VTNR: Left-handed model with green and black bezel, called "Sprite"
• 126713GRNR: Two-tone yellow gold with black and grey bezel
• 126718GRNR: Full yellow gold version with the same bezel

Design Highlights

The GMT-Master is known for its colorful bezel inserts, 24-hour markings, and robust Oyster and Jubilee bracelets. Whether you're drawn to its two-tone bezels or its precision movements, every detail reflects Rolex’s dedication to function and form.

• Cerachrom bezels in colorways like Pepsi, Coke, Batman, and Root Beer
• Superlative Chronometer movements for precision and durability
• Jubilee and Oyster bracelets offering comfort and style

Popular Nicknames

• Pepsi: Red and blue bezel (seen on 6542, 16710, 126710BLRO)
• Coke: Black and red bezel (16760 and 16710 references)
• Root Beer: Brown and gold bezel on two-tone and Everose models
• Batman: Black and blue bezel with Oyster bracelet (116710BLNR)
• Bruce Wayne: Same bezel with Jubilee bracelet (126710GRNR)
• Fat Lady: Thicker-case GMT-Master II ref. 16760
• Sprite: Green and black bezel with left-hand crown (126720VTNR)

Why the GMT-Master Endures

Few watches combine practical utility with timeless design like the Rolex GMT-Master. Whether you're crossing time zones or admiring it from home, the GMT-Master remains one of Rolex’s most versatile and collectible achievements.