Rolex Rolls Out Two New Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II In Geneva

Watches and Wonders started out strongly for us this year with our first appointment being at Rolex. A quick digression: while last year’s novelties broke the norm for the brand (à la the “Puzzle Dial” Day-Date and the vibrant bubble OP) and this year’s chatter was around bringing back the Coke dial which was discontinued in 2007, my expectations were a bit all over the place. Alas, by now, we know what Rolex brought to the table, and upon further reflection, I love the new GMT-Master II.

Call me a minimalist, but grey is my favorite color, so you can understand why I was thrilled to see the black and grey bezel color combination for this year’s GMT. The two new Oystersteel versions of the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II come in an Oyster bracelet option as well as a Jubilee bracelet — I’m not quite sure which I favor, but we will leave that to you to decide below.

Both models feature a 24-hour graduated two-color Cerachrom bezel insert in grey and black, with platinum-coated graduations via Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), enhancing visibility and adding a touch of luxury. The face of the GMT-Master II is distinctive with a black lacquer dial that sports the ‘GMT-Master II’ inscription in green, echoing the green of the triangle-tipped 24-hour hand. This model is not just about aesthetics; it’s powered by the advanced caliber 3285 movement, which is a showcase of Rolex’s innovation in watchmaking technology. This movement ensures high precision, a substantial power reserve of approximately 70 hours, and robust resistance to magnetic fields and shocks, thanks to its nickel-phosphorus Chronergy escapement and blue Parachrom hairspring.

Rolex’s commitment to durability and functionality is evident in the GMT-Master II’s design. The 40 mm Oyster case, guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 meters (330 feet), protects the high-performance caliber 3285 inside. It’s complemented by the Oysterlock folding safety clasp on the bracelet, which prevents accidental opening, and the Easylink comfort extension link that allows for easy adjustment of the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm.

This latest iteration of the GMT-Master II continues to serve professionals who traverse time zones, featuring a bidirectional rotatable bezel and a 24-hour graduated Cerachrom insert that enables the reading of three time zones simultaneously—two with the conventional hands and an additional time zone with the rotatable bezel. This functionality is wrapped in a design that’s instantly recognizable and highly symbolic of Rolex’s pioneering role in the world of travel and exploration watches.