Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II New Versions
At Baselworld 2018 watch fair Rolex presented a new version of its iconic GMT-Master II watch in Oyster steel, equipped with a bidirectional rotatable bezel and a 24-hour graduated two-colour Cerachrom insert in red and blue ceramic (reference 126710 BLRO-0001).
The lugs and sides of its Oyster case have been redesigned, and the watch is fitted on a five-link Jubilee bracelet.
Two other versions of the GMT-Master II introduce 18 ct Everose gold to the range for the very first time. The first model (reference 126715 CHNR-0001) is crafted entirely from this refined, exclusive alloy, and the second is available in an Everose Rolesor version, combining Oyster steel and 18 ct Everose gold (reference 126711 CHNR-0002).
On the dials of both watches, the name “GMT-Master II” is inscribed in powdered rose. The bezels are fitted with two-colour Cerachrom inserts in a black and newly developed brown ceramic.
These new versions are equipped with the new-generation calibre 3285. With 10 patent applications fled over the course of its development, the movement is equipped with a Chronergy escapement and guarantees a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. Like all Rolex watches, the new versions of the GMT-Master II carry the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist.
Originally designed to aid airline pilots in their navigation, the GMT-Master has become an unmistakable icon. Over the years its emblematic bezel has been presented in various colours, in both single and two-coloured combinations. It is the signature feature of its unique and instantly recognizable aesthetics.
With a traditional hour, minute and seconds display via hands; a 24-hour hand; and a bidirectional rotatable bezel with a 24-hour graduated Cerachrom insert, it is possible to read the time in two time zones at once: either the local time and a reference time, or the local time and another time zone as desired. The date, shown at 3 o’clock, is synchronized with the local time display.
Since 2005, Rolex has played a pioneering role in the development of special ceramics for monobloc bezels and bezel inserts. These new materials are exceptionally resistant to scratches and corrosion, and offer particularly intense colours that are unaffected by ultraviolet rays.
Rolex made full use of its expertise in developing the high-technology production methods that allow it to manufacture its ceramic components independently in-house. Rolex is able to create these ceramics in single colours as well as two-colour versions. The Cerachrom insert in red and blue ceramic is the most iconic of these, as it calls to mind the colours chosen for the first GMT-Master, launched in 1955.
This ceramic insert is a feat in terms of applied research and engineering. The challenge to create the insert’s red hue, which cannot be obtained using stable mineral pigments, led to the development of a complex internal process and the fling of several patent applications.
The GMT-Master II’s Oyster case is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). Its middle case, with an integral crown guard, is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel or 18 ct Everose gold. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement.
The winding crown, fitted with the Triplock triple waterproofness system, screws down securely against the case. The crystal, with a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for easy reading of the date, is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimum protection for the GMT-Master II’s high-precision movement.
The calibre 3285 is a new-generation movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. With 10 patent applications filed over the course of its development, the self-winding Calibre 3285 offers fundamental gains in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience and reliability. It incorporates the Chronergy escapement patented by Rolex, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability.
Made of nickel-phosphorus, this escapement is also insensitive to magnetic interference. An optimized blue Parachrom hairspring is fitted to the oscillator, the true heart of the watch. Manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive paramagnetic alloy, it is up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks.
A Rolex overcoil ensures its regularity in any position. Calibre 3285 is equipped with a self-winding module via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to its new barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of calibre 3285 extends to approximately 70 hours.
The new GMT-Master II with the Cerachrom insert in red and blue ceramic is fitted on an Oystersteel Jubilee bracelet. The supple and comfortable five link Jubilee bracelet was created specially for the Oyster Perpetual Datejust at its launch in 1945.
The 18 ct Everose gold and Everose Rolesor versions are fitted on solid-link Oyster bracelets. The 18 ct Everose gold bracelet includes ceramic inserts. On the Everose Rolesor version, the centre links of the bracelet are in 18 ct Everose gold, and the outer links are in Oystersteel.
All three bracelets benefit from a concealed attachment system, ensuring seamless visual continuity between the bracelet and case. They are also equipped with an Oysterlock safety clasp to prevent accidental opening, and feature the Easylink rapid extension system, patented by Rolex in 1996, that allows the wearer to easily increase the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm for additional comfort.
Like all Rolex watches, the GMT-Master II is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015. This exclusive designation testifies that each watch has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria, which exceed watchmaking norms and standards.
The certification applies to the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement, guaranteeing superlative performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding. The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer after casing is of the order of −2 /+2 seconds per day, or more than twice that required of an official chronometer. The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.
Technical details
Movement
Calibre 3285, Manufacture Rolex
Mechanical movement with bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor
Precision: −2/+2 sec/day, after casing
Jewelling: 31 rubies
Power Reserve: Approximately 70 hours
Oscillator
• Frequency: 28,800 beats/hour (4 Hz)
• Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring
• Rolex overcoil
• Large balance wheel with variable inertia
• High-precision regulating via four gold Microstella nuts
• Traversing balance bridge
• High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers
Escapement
• Chronergy with optimized energy efficiency
• Paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus pallet fork and escape wheel
Functions
Centre hour, minute and seconds hands
Instantaneous date at 3 o’clock, secure setting via the hour hand
Reference time (home time) via additional 24-hour hand
Second time zone (local time) via conventional hands, independent rapid-setting of the hour hand
Stop-seconds for exact time setting
Certification
Superlative Chronometer certification
Model: Rolex OYSTER PERPETUAL GMT-MASTER II Reference 126710 BLRO-0001
Case reference 126710 BLRO | Bracelet reference 69200
Case
Oyster (monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown)
Crown guard forms integral part of middle case
Diameter: 40 mm
Case material: Oystersteel
Middle case: Oystersteel, satin finish with polished sides
Bezel: Oystersteel, bidirectional rotatable, with 24-hour graduated two-colour Cerachrom insert in red and blue ceramic; Moulded numerals and graduations coated with platinum via PVD
Case back: Solid, screw-down with fine fluting
Winding crown: Screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system
Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire; Cyclops lens over the date with double anti-reflective coating
Water-proofness: 100 metres (330 feet)
Dial
Black lacquer
Highly legible Chromalight appliqués (long-lasting luminescence, blue glow) in 18 ct white gold
Hands: 18 ct white gold, red 24-hour hand, highly legible Chromalight (long-lasting luminescence, blue glow)
Bracelet
Jubilee, five-piece solid links
Oystersteel, polished centre links, satin-finished outer links with polished edges
Oysterlock folding safety clasp
Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link
Model: Rolex OYSTER PERPETUAL GMT-MASTER II Reference 126711 CHNR-0002
Case Reference 126711 CHNR | Bracelet Reference 79201
Case: Oystersteel and 18 ct Everose gold (Everose Rolesor)
Middle case: Oystersteel, satin finish with polished sides
Bezel: 18 ct Everose gold, bidirectional rotatable, with 24-hour graduated two-colour Cerachrom insert in brown and black ceramic; Moulded numerals and graduations coated with pink gold via PVD
Black lacquer dial with highly legible Chromalight appliqués (long-lasting luminescence, blue glow) in 18 ct pink gold
Hands: 18 ct pink gold, highly legible Chromalight (long-lasting luminescence, blue glow)
Bracelet: Oyster, three-piece solid links; Polished centre links in 18 ct; Everose gold, satin-finished outer links in Oystersteel with polished edges (Everose Rolesor); Oysterlock folding safety clasp; Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link
Model: Rolex OYSTER PERPETUAL GMT-MASTER II Reference 126715 CHNR-0001
Case Reference 126715 CHNR | Bracelet Reference 79205
Case: 18 ct Everose gold
Middle case: 18 ct Everose gold, satin finish with polished sides
BEZEL: 18 ct Everose gold, bidirectional rotatable, with 24-hour graduated two-colour Cerachrom insert in brown and black ceramic; Moulded numerals and graduations coated with pink gold via PVD
Dial: Black lacquered dial; highly legible Chromalight appliqués (long-lasting luminescence, blue glow) in 18 ct pink gold
Hands: 18 ct pink gold, highly legible Chromalight (long-lasting luminescence, blue glow)
Bracelet: Oyster, three-piece solid links; 18 ct Everose gold, polished centre links, satin-finished outer links with polished edges, ceramic inserts; Oysterlock folding safety clasp; Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link
