The Rolex GMT-Master II is the ultimate luxury travel companion, but it has utilitarian roots.
Rolex GMT-Master II Timeline:
- 1954: Rolex introduces the GMT-Master (Ref. 6542), designed for Pan Am pilots to track two time zones. Its radium-filled Bakelite bezel insert is soon replaced with a printed aluminum one.
- 1982: The GMT-Master II debuts with Ref. 16760 (“Fat Lady”), featuring an independently adjustable hour hand, a Coke bezel, and a thicker case.
- 1989: Ref. 16710 replaces the 16760, offering a slimmer case and multiple bezel color options (Pepsi, Coke, all-black).
- 2005: Ref. 116710LN introduces Rolex’s first-ever Cerachrom (ceramic) bezel insert, the Caliber 3186 movement, and a larger case with a Triplock crown.
- 2013: Ref. 116710BLNR (“Batman“) is Rolex’s first two-color ceramic insert (blue/black).
- 2018: Ref. 126710BLRO (“Pepsi”) is released in stainless steel with a Jubilee bracelet and the new Caliber 3285 movement. A two-tone rose gold and steel model with a brown/black insert (126713CHNR “Root Beer”) also enters the lineup alongside a solid Everose gold version.
- 2022: Ref. 126720VTNR (“Sprite”) is introduced as a left-handed GMT-Master II with a green/black ceramic bezel.
- 2023: Ref. 126713GRNR debuts with a gray/black ceramic bezel and two-tone steel and gold configuration. A steel model (“Bruce Wayne“) comes the following year.
