EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE GMT MASTER II

Rolex introduced the GMT-Master ref.16750 in 1980, a model with a new movement and also featuring glossy dials. Rolex started using the calibre 3075 movement, which featured a quick-set date. The movement also had an increasing ticking number of 28,800vph. 

However, this model was in production till 198, just a short period in time, which makes it a sought-after model of the GMT-Master series. On the other hand, it probably isn't as sought after as the Rolex GMT-Master II 16760 aka ‘The Fat Lady’ (or ‘Sophia Loren’). This was the first GMT-Master II and it had an advancement over the regular GMT-Master, which is the functionality to read time of three different time zones. 

Besides that, the ‘Fat Lady’ had a thicker case, thicker crown guards, sapphire crystal and only available in the “pepsi” configuration, which is a red/black bezel. This model of the Rolex GMT-Master used calibre 3085. 

Further enhancing its utility for global adventurers and professionals alike is the watch's bidirectional rotatable bezel, equipped with a 24-hour graduated Cerachrom insert. Cerachrom, known for its durability and resistance to scratching and fading, is an ideal material for a watch that's built to traverse the globe. 

The bezel's ability to rotate in both directions allows the wearer to quickly and easily set the second time zone without affecting the watch's timekeeping functions. By aligning the bezel with the 24-hour hand, the wearer can instantly reference another time zone at a glance, a feature that is particularly useful in today's interconnected world where keeping track of multiple time zones can be essential.

The most recent iterations of the GMT-Master II timepieces are equipped with the advanced calibre 3285 movement, marking a significant milestone in the realm of horological engineering. The addition of this movement in the watch shows us the brand's commitment to innovate in watchmaking technology. The calibre 3285 is not just a mechanism for keeping time, it is a very complex designed piece of work that ensures the watch operates with exceptional accuracy and longevity. Only the Rolex GMT Master II uses this calibre, which is completely in house produced. 

Beyond its fundamental functions of displaying hours, minutes, seconds, and the date, the calibre 3285 movement facilitates an additional, highly wanted feature for global travellers and professionals who operate across time zones: the ability to track a second time zone in a 24-hour format. This feature is indispensable and necessary for those who need to quickly and easily find out the time in another part of the world, whether for coordinating with international colleagues, keeping in touch with family while abroad, or ensuring timely connections during travel. 

Its clean dial design facilitated effortless readability, which was very important for those working in a high-pressure environment of aviation where every second counts. The watch was distinguished by its signature red and blue bezel, a feature that was both visually striking and functionally innovative. This two-tone bezel, later affectionately known as the "Pepsi" bezel due to its resemblance to the brand's iconic logo, was more than just an aesthetic choice. It served as a critical function by allowing wearers to differentiate between daytime and night-time hours at a glance, enhancing the watch's utility for tracking multiple time zones and making it easier to read.  

It's been 65 years since Rolex launched the first GMT-Master, and in that time, there have been a great many variations if you take into account all of the examples and different strap / bracelet configurations. The Rolex GMT-Master series has an array of colours and styles, catering to a wide spectrum of tastes and preferences, further making its status as a versatile and iconic timepiece. The most famous among these is perhaps the "Pepsi" bezel, with its distinctive red and blue colouring, evoking the spirit of aviation's golden age and offering a stark, yet elegant contrast against the watch's dial. For those seeking a more subdued aesthetic, the "Batman" version presents a sleek option with its blue and black bezel, symbolising the watch's precision and sophistication. 

The "Root Beer" design, with its brown and gold or brown and black bezel, offers a vintage look and style, reminiscent of the original luxury of air travel. Moreover, the all-black bezel versions provide a classic, understated look that maintains the GMT-Master’s signature functionality while appealing to traditionalists. Beyond bezel colour variations, Rolex also offers these watches in different materials, including Oystersteel, yellow gold, and the brand's exclusive Rolesor, a combination of gold and steel, allowing for personal expression through both colour and texture. This diversity in design ensures that there is a GMT-Master to suit every wrist, and a need in a watch collection. With all the different variations in style, metal, colour this watch can be suited to any individual in the market for a new watch, with both its elegance and utility.

The GMT-Master II elevates the utility of two time zone tracking by introducing the capability to read three separate time zones. This advancement is achieved through an innovative design that includes an adjustable 24-hour hand and a rotatable 24-hour graduated bezel. By manipulating these components in conjunction with the conventional 12-hour hand. Wearers can easily track an additional time zone, making the GMT-Master II an even more versatile tool for global communication and travel. This feature is particularly beneficial for individuals who frequently navigate between multiple time zones, offering a level of convenience and efficiency unmatched by other timepieces.

In 2018 they added a new version in Oyster Steel with a red and blue ceramic bezel, fitted on a Jubilee bracelet. Additionally, two versions introduced 18 karat Everose gold into the range, one entirely in Everose gold and another in an Everose Rolesor version combining Oyster Steel and Everose gold. Following this in 2019 a unique GMT-Master II in 18 karat white gold featuring a meteorite dial, crafted from an extremely rare slice of iron meteorite, making the watch feel even more exclusive. A few years later in 2022 they added a new model to the line-up with the crown on the left side of the case and a green and black bezel insert, marking a departure from traditional designs.