LONG-DISTANCE TRIP

See the time in two time zones at a glance with the GMT-Master II. An icon of contemporary watchmaking, the watch has been developed, while keeping the same spirit.

The aficionados affectionately call it “Pepsi” in reference to its blue and red bezel. First released in 1955, the GMT-Master has kept its aesthetic charms through all the different versions and innovations made by Rolex. This new version of the GMT-Master II, unveiled in 2014 (ref. 116719 BLRO – 78209), features a magnificent revolving bidirectional bezel with a two-colour ceramic machined disc. It is actually machined as a single piece – a stunning feat by Rolex! The grey gold Oyster case is 40mm wide, watertight down to 100 metres, and includes the latest self-winding 3186 in-house Perpetual movement with a Parachrom spiral that is unaffected by magnetic fields.

The GMT-Master II dial has kept its distinctive features. A Cyclops crystal magnifies the date window. The red hand shows the “home” reference time and turns once every 24 hours around the black lacquered dial. The time can be read on the graduations along the bezel. When you’re travelling, you can read the local time with the hour hand. It is easy to reset, “jumping” from hour to hour with the help of the winding crown. Thanks to a clever mechanism, this adjustment takes place in a totally independent way, without affecting the minutes and seconds, or the “home” reference time.

Like all Rolex watches, the GMT-Master II has the dual Superlative Chronometer and COSC certification, a guarantee of robustness and precision. The watch is worn with a grey gold strap with a safety buckle and folding clasp.

Price: €35,000

By Dan Diaconu