Comparing The Rolex GMT-Master Old And New

Collector’s Guides • 25 Sep 2015

Comparing The Rolex GMT-Master Old And New

by Frank Geelen


Born in 1955, the Rolex GMT Master quickly became the ultimate tool for pilots and travellers. It even became the official watch of several airlines. With its independent GMT hand that displays a second time zone and its bi-colour bezel (to indicate day- and night-time), the GMT-Master is now an icon. The original GMT-Master was introduced with a blue and red bezel, giving rise to the familiar nickname “Pepsi”, and recently Rolex introduced a new iteration of the beloved “Pepsi”. The new GMT-Master II ref. 116719BLRO is available only in white gold, but retains the signature look, so it’s time to compare the new and old “Pepsi”.

Improved functionality
Side by side, the lineage is undeniable but the differences are important. For starters it’s important to mention that the old GMT-Master Pepsi ref. 1675 came in a steel case and had a fixed GMT-hand. The new white gold “Pepsi” is a GMT-Master II, boasting improved functionality. Its major advantage lies in its hour hand, which can be adjusted in 1-hour steps backwards or forwards. The vintage “Pepsi” didn’t allow for such convenient adjustments when traveling through various time zones. Instead, the vintage Pepsi relies on the rotating bezel to indicate the second time zone.

The original Rolex GMT-Master came in steel case and had a fixed GMT hand. (Credits: hqmilton)

A fade-resistant bezel
While the vintage Pepsi had a coloured aluminium bezel that would fade over decades, the modern Pepsi is equipped with a ceramic bezel. Rolex choose the material for its durability and scratch resistance.

Producing coloured ceramics, however, is a challenge, which is why brightly coloured ceramics are rarely encountered in watchmaking. It’s nearly impossible to create red ceramic, and even blue ceramic isn’t easy. It took Rolex a few years of trial and error before they managed to create the bi-colour bezel in the signature blue and red.

Since creating the blue-red ceramic bezel was one of the toughest nuts to crack, Rolex decided to introduce it in white gold and make it more exclusive. Rolex is still the only company who master a bi-colour ceramic bezel made of one piece.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date_GMT-Master II_126710BLRO_Automatic_Steel case_Steel bracelet_Men's watch.unisex_3285 caliber_Pepsi Bezel
The new Rolex GMT-Master II is equipped with a fade-resistant ceramic bezel. (Credits: Grayandsons)

Technology inside and out
Beyond the ceramic bezel, the GMT-Master II Pepsi also features all of the Rolex’s latest technology: Chromalight coating on indices and hands for night-time legibility, a robust and convenient Oysterlock safety clasp on the bracelet, and the calibre 3186 with a non-magnetic blue Parachrom hairspring.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date_GMT-Master II_126710BLRO_Automatic_Steel case_Steel bracelet_Men's watch.unisex_3285 caliber_Pepsi Bezel
The new Rolex GMT-Master II has chromalight coating on indices and hands for night-time legibility. (Credits: Watchtime)

The Hour Glass is an official jeweler and retailer for Rolex.

If you’re interested in the Rolex GMT-Master, you can find more information by visiting us at any one of our boutiques, speaking with our Sales Consultant or simply click here.

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