Rolex GMT-Master II: owner reviews and feedback

The Rolex GMT-Master II, launched in 1982, represents the major technical evolution of the GMT-Master created in 1955 to accompany the growth of intercontinental air travel. It retains the additional hand completing one revolution of the dial every twenty-four hours and the 24-hour graduated rotating bezel but introduces a decisive function: the conventional hour hand can now be moved forwards or backwards in one-hour jumps, independently of both the minute hand and 24-hour hand. Travellers can therefore change local time without stopping the watch or losing their reference time.

The first reference 16760 also introduces the red-and-black bezel later widely known by the nickname “Coke”. Across successive generations, the GMT-Master II retains a diameter close to 40 mm while changing profoundly: sapphire crystal, calibres 3085, 3185, 3186 and then 3285, aluminium and later Cerachrom bezel inserts, Oyster or Jubilee bracelets, new materials and numerous colour combinations. The current generation provides 100 metres of water resistance, approximately 70 hours of power reserve and Rolex-stated precision of -2/+2 seconds per day after casing.

Design & legibility: two time zones and an iconic bezel

The GMT-Master II has retained an immediately recognisable architecture from the beginning: dark dial with large geometric hour markers, Mercedes-style local-hour hand, an additional triangle-tipped hand and a bidirectional rotating bezel graduated from 1 to 24. With the bezel triangle positioned at 12 o’clock, the 24-hour hand indicates a reference time. By rotating the bezel, the same hand can be used to follow a third time zone, although direct reading of the original reference time is then temporarily lost. The combination of the triangle-tipped 24-hour hand and two-colour bezel is the fundamental distinguishing feature of the GMT-Master II. Colours also provide a visual distinction between daytime and nighttime hours: blue and red for the famous combination often called “Pepsi”, red and black for “Coke”, blue and black for “Batman” or “Batgirl”, and green and black for the version frequently nicknamed “Sprite”. These names primarily belong to collectors’ vocabulary rather than Rolex’s official nomenclature. Modern generations use long-lasting blue-emission Chromalight and a Cyclops magnifying lens above the date aperture.

Case, bracelets and comfort: 40 mm that became a sporting benchmark

The 40 mm diameter has accompanied the GMT-Master II from its earliest generations and contributes greatly to its versatility. Its proportions have nevertheless changed considerably. The 16760 has a thicker case than earlier GMT-Master watches in order to accommodate calibre 3085 and its independent local-hour mechanism, earning it the “Fat Lady” nickname. The 16710 becomes slimmer again thanks to calibre 3185. From the six-digit references onwards, Rolex adopts a visually more substantial middle case, broader lugs and more prominent crown guards. The 40 mm diameter remains consistent while the wrist experience changes substantially according to generation and bracelet. Current models use an Oyster case with monobloc middle case, screwed caseback, Triplock crown and sapphire crystal for 100 metres of water resistance. The three-link Oyster bracelet prioritises robustness and a sporting appearance. The five-link Jubilee provides greater flexibility and a dressier look. Contemporary versions receive an Oysterlock safety clasp and Easylink extension allowing approximately 5 mm of rapid adjustment, particularly useful as the wrist expands in warm conditions.

Movement: from the jumping local hour of calibre 3085 to calibre 3285

The mechanical principle defining the GMT-Master II appears with calibre 3085: the local hour hand is uncoupled from the minutes and 24-hour indication so that it can be adjusted in independent one-hour jumps. Calibre 3185 subsequently makes the 16710 case slimmer and calibre 3186 notably improves the architecture of the GMT indication while adopting the Parachrom hairspring. Since 2018, the collection has used calibre 3285, entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. It incorporates the nickel-phosphorus Chronergy escapement, a blue paramagnetic Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers. Calibre 3285 increases GMT-Master II power reserve to approximately 70 hours while retaining independent adjustment of local time. When travelling, the main hour hand can therefore simply be jumped without stopping the seconds or changing reference time. The date is linked to local time and can advance or move backwards when the hand crosses midnight. Rolex states precision of -2/+2 seconds per day for the finished watch under its Superlative Chronometer certification, in addition to official certification of the movement by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute.

Chronological milestones and main models (1982–2025)

(1982) Rolex GMT-Master II Fat Lady First Independent Local Hour:

The first GMT-Master II introduces the function that still distinguishes the family from the historical GMT-Master. The Rolex GMT-Master II 16760 has an approximately 40 mm stainless-steel Oyster case, sapphire crystal with Cyclops magnifier, screw-down crown and water resistance around 100 metres. It is exclusively fitted with a bidirectional bezel using a red-and-black aluminium insert, the combination later widely known as “Coke”. Automatic Rolex calibre 3085 operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and for the first time on a GMT-Master allows the conventional hour hand to be adjusted in independent jumps. This movement is thicker than those of earlier generations, producing a more substantial case and explaining the “Fat Lady” nickname used by collectors. Early dials use tritium luminous material. The watch is principally associated with the Oyster bracelet, although period configurations and later replacements should always be checked individually when evaluating surviving vintage examples.

(1989) Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 Slimmer Case and Three Bezels:

The second major generation makes the GMT-Master II significantly slimmer and gives it an exceptionally long production life extending to 2007. The Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 retains a 40 mm stainless-steel Oyster case and 100 metres of water resistance but adopts calibre 3185, which is thinner than the 3085. It can be fitted with three aluminium bezel inserts: red and blue, red and black or entirely black. This variety is now one of the principal attractions of the reference on the collector market. Oyster and Jubilee bracelets are available according to period and configuration. Luminous material also changes: tritium on early watches, followed by LumiNova and Super-LumiNova. Bracelets progressively receive solid end links around 2000 and drilled lug holes subsequently disappear. A small number of very late examples use calibre 3186. The 16710 remains particularly appreciated for its slimmer case and aluminium bezel capable of developing patina unlike modern ceramic inserts.

(2005) Rolex GMT-Master II 116718 LN First Cerachrom Bezel:

For the fiftieth anniversary of the GMT-Master, Rolex unveils a new generation in 18-carat yellow gold that introduces several elements crucial to later models. The Rolex GMT-Master II 116718 LN has a 40 mm Oyster case but adopts lugs, crown guards and proportions that appear much more substantial. Its major aesthetic and material innovation is its black Cerachrom bezel insert in high-technology ceramic, considerably more resistant to scratching and fading than aluminium. Numerals are moulded into the ceramic and then highlighted through deposition of precious metal. Certain anniversary configurations use a green dial, while others have a black dial. The watch receives calibre 3186 with independently adjustable local hour, a Triplock crown, sapphire crystal and 100 metres of water resistance. Its solid-gold Oyster bracelet uses more robust links and a modernised clasp. This reference establishes the technical and visual vocabulary subsequently transferred to stainless steel two years later.

(2007) Rolex GMT-Master II 116710 LN Black Ceramic in Steel:

The new generation arrives in stainless steel and represents a significant visual departure from the 16710. The Rolex GMT-Master II 116710 LN retains the nominal 40 mm diameter but its broader lugs and solid-link bracelet give it considerably more wrist presence. The bidirectional bezel uses an entirely black Cerachrom insert, manufacturing technology at the time not yet allowing the expected traditional two-colour GMT insert to be produced at scale. The black dial has large framed markers and a green 24-hour hand matching the GMT-Master II inscription. Automatic calibre 3186 incorporates the Parachrom hairspring and retains independent adjustment of local time. Triplock crown, screwed caseback and sapphire crystal provide 100 metres of water resistance. The Oyster bracelet receives an Oysterlock clasp and an approximately 5 mm Easylink extension. Early watches use Super-LumiNova, after which Rolex progressively introduces blue Chromalight. This reference is also the last modern stainless-steel GMT-Master II equipped with an entirely black bezel.

(2013) Rolex GMT-Master II BLNR First Two-Colour Ceramic:

Rolex achieves an important technical milestone by manufacturing a single-piece two-colour Cerachrom insert. The Rolex GMT-Master II 116710 BLNR combines blue for the lower half of the bezel with black for its upper half, corresponding respectively to daytime and nighttime hours. The Oystersteel case remains 40 mm with Triplock crown, sapphire crystal, Cyclops lens and 100 metres of water resistance. Its black dial receives a blue 24-hour hand and blue-emission Chromalight. Automatic calibre 3186 continues to allow independent adjustment of the local hour hand. The three-link Oyster bracelet has an Oysterlock clasp and Easylink extension. This configuration quickly becomes one of the most recognisable contemporary GMT-Master II watches and acquires the collector nickname “Batman”. More importantly, the blue-black combination is an industrial milestone: it demonstrates that Rolex can create two distinct colours in one monobloc ceramic insert before the return of red and blue ceramic the following year on a white-gold version.

(2018) Rolex GMT-Master II BLRO Pepsi Steel and Calibre 3285:

The present generation effectively begins in 2018 with the return of the historical red-and-blue combination on a stainless-steel GMT-Master II. The Rolex GMT-Master II 126710 BLRO has a 40 mm Oystersteel case, a bidirectional bezel with red-and-blue Cerachrom insert and, at launch, a five-link Jubilee bracelet. Its middle case is subtly revised compared with the 116710 generation while retaining substantial sporting presence. The major development lies inside with calibre 3285. Its Chronergy escapement, Parachrom hairspring, Paraflex shock absorbers and optimised barrel increase power reserve to approximately 70 hours. Stated precision for the finished watch is -2/+2 seconds per day. The Triplock crown and Oyster case provide 100 metres of water resistance. Despite its dressier appearance, the Jubilee bracelet receives an Oysterlock safety clasp and Easylink. An Oyster bracelet subsequently becomes available as well, giving the same reference two noticeably different personalities.

(2022) Rolex GMT-Master II VTNR Left-Side Crown:

This variation overturns a layout that had remained almost unchanged for decades. The Rolex GMT-Master II 126720 VTNR has a 40 mm Oystersteel case but places its winding crown and crown guards on the left side. To preserve functional coherence, the date aperture and Cyclops lens also move to 9 o’clock. The bidirectional bezel receives a green-and-black Cerachrom insert introduced specifically with this architecture. The watch is available on either Oyster or Jubilee, both fitted with Oysterlock and Easylink. Calibre 3285 remains in use with approximately 70 hours of power reserve, -2/+2 seconds per day after casing and independent local-hour adjustment. Sapphire crystal, Triplock crown and screwed caseback maintain 100 metres of water resistance. The configuration naturally attracts left-handed wearers but is not restricted to them: when worn on the left wrist, it simply positions the crown away from the back of the hand, a sensation some users find particularly comfortable.

(2024) Rolex GMT-Master II GRNR Grey and Black in Steel:

After introducing grey and black on yellow-gold and yellow-Rolesor versions in 2023, Rolex transfers the combination to stainless steel the following year. The Rolex GMT-Master II 126710 GRNR has a 40 mm Oystersteel case and a two-colour grey-and-black Cerachrom insert whose numerals and graduations are highlighted with platinum deposition. The black lacquer dial uses a green 24-hour hand and GMT-Master II inscription in the same colour, bringing restrained contrast to an otherwise highly monochromatic execution. Rolex offers it on either the three-link Oyster or five-link Jubilee bracelet. The screw-down Triplock crown, sapphire crystal and screwed caseback provide 100 metres of water resistance. Manufacture calibre 3285 offers approximately 70 hours of power reserve, a Chronergy escapement, Parachrom hairspring and stated precision of -2/+2 seconds per day for the finished watch. This version is particularly suitable for someone wanting modern GMT architecture without the stronger colours of the BLRO, BLNR or VTNR.

(2025) Rolex GMT-Master II VTNR White Gold and Cerachrom Dial:

Rolex introduces a first for its catalogue in 2025 by using high-technology ceramic to produce the dial itself. The Rolex GMT-Master II 126729 VTNR retains the left-handed architecture introduced in steel in 2022 but executes it entirely in 18-carat white gold. The winding crown sits on the left and the date at 9 o’clock. Its green Cerachrom dial has exactly the same shade and lustre as the green half of the green-and-black Cerachrom bezel insert, creating an unusual continuity of material for Rolex. The 40 mm Oyster case retains 100 metres of water resistance and the watch receives a white-gold Oyster bracelet with Oysterlock, Easylink and ceramic inserts inside certain links to improve durability and fluidity. Calibre 3285 provides approximately 70 hours of power reserve and benefits from Superlative Chronometer certification. Up to 2025, this variation represents one of the most technically and materially distinctive interpretations of the GMT-Master II.

Choosing the right version: generation, bezel, bracelet and travel use

The first choice separates five-digit references from Cerachrom models. A 16710 is slimmer, lighter and has an aluminium bezel capable of developing patina over the years. Modern references feel more substantial but provide stronger bracelets, scratch-resistant ceramic and more recent movements. The 16710 is especially interesting for someone seeking a more discreet GMT-Master II closer to twentieth-century Rolex sports-watch proportions. The 126710 references are better suited to someone prioritising autonomy, a modern clasp and material resistance in daily use.

Bezel colour is more than simply a question of nickname. Red and blue have the most direct historical connection with the 1955 GMT-Master. Blue and black feel more contemporary, grey and black significantly more restrained, while green and black also impose the left-handed architecture on current steel references. The red-and-blue BLRO is the most emblematic choice for someone seeking the historical identity of the GMT family. The GRNR will better suit someone wanting a more discreet Rolex travel watch while retaining identical fundamental function and architecture.

The choice between Oyster and Jubilee genuinely changes the wrist experience. The three-link Oyster appears sportier and has larger surfaces that are straightforward to clean. Jubilee distributes the weight across more links and generally feels more supple, while giving the watch a dressier appearance. The Jubilee is particularly interesting for daily use when comfort and flexibility take priority over the tool-watch aesthetic. Both modern bracelets use Oysterlock and the 5 mm Easylink adjustment, so the choice is mainly ergonomic and aesthetic.

For travel, the operating principle of the GMT-Master II is one of its principal advantages. The 24-hour hand can remain set to home time while the main hour hand jumps independently to local time on arrival. The date follows this local time and also changes when the hand crosses midnight in either direction. Independent adjustment of local time makes the GMT-Master II especially practical for travellers who regularly change time zones. By additionally moving the bezel, a third time zone can be followed temporarily provided the applied offset is known.

Finally, buying a pre-owned GMT-Master II requires unusual attention to authenticity and consistency. Inserts, dials, hands, bracelets and movements evolved during long production periods and some components may have been replaced during servicing. On a 16710, a bezel or dial corresponding precisely to the production period can have an important influence on collector appeal. Service history and consistency of components are more important than the simple presence of box and papers. The 100-metre water-resistance rating should also be checked on an older watch before swimming. Other customers’ opinions are essential.

Conclusion

The Rolex GMT-Master II is aimed both at travellers who genuinely use multiple time zones and collectors interested in one of Rolex’s most recognisable sporting lineages. Since 1982, its principle has remained remarkably consistent: independently adjustable local time, a reference 24-hour hand and a bezel capable of extending the display further. The 16760 and 16710 prioritise the character of older sports watches, while Cerachrom generations add more robust construction, modernised bracelets and greater scratch resistance. Since 2018, calibre 3285 contributes approximately 70 hours of autonomy and stated precision of -2/+2 seconds per day. BLRO, BLNR, GRNR and VTNR then allow substantially different visual identities without changing the fundamental function.

To compare these generations, their bracelets, accuracy and comfort with long-term ownership experiences, Dialicious customer reviews provide a particularly useful complement.

(Updated August 2026)