Baselworld 2018- Rolex GMT Master II “Pepsi” 126710 BLRO – Now in Steel, with Jubilee Bracelet and Calibre 3285
Here at Edinburgh Watch Company, as you’ll know, we’re lovers of all things watch related. With Baselworld 2018 commencing tomorrow, we’re very excited for what’s to come. (Baselworld Watch and Jewellery Show is an annual trade show for the international watch and jewellery industry, organized each spring in the city of Basel, Switzerland, at Messe Basel). What better way is there to start this prestigious event than with a re-release of the ever-popular and incredibly stylish “Pepsi” Rolex GMT-Master in stainless steel?
Rolex GMT-Master
Those who travel the world often have to keep an eye on a number of time zones. Originally developed for pilots, the Rolex GMT-Master has enjoyed increasing popularity with all those who travel frequently and cross time zones regularly. This timepiece has become one of the favourites when it comes to the world of watch enthusiasts.
The Rolex GMT-Master originated in the age of transcontinental flights.
During the 1950’s, airplanes began crossing several time zones within a short period of time. As a result, the need for a watch that enabled its wearer to keep an eye on concurrent time zones arose.
Rolex launched the GMT-Master in 1954, and from day one, it was the official wristwatch on board Pan Am flights. Some experts claim that the characteristic red and blue bezel was inspired by the colours of the legendary airline. For most, however, the colours of the so-called Pepsi-bezel represent the difference between day and night.
The GMT-Master has been a great success since the very beginning. To this day, the striking wristwatch enjoys great popularity not only among pilots, but among worldwide watch enthusiasts, business travellers, and collectors.
Historically the “Pepsi” GMT was manufactured in stainless steel with a Jubilee bracelet, however a few years ago Rolex changed to 18ct white gold, with an oyster bracelet, which nearly quadrupled the price. Needless to say, the newer models became less popular whilst at the same time, this generated new interest in the vintage and preowned market.
To find out more about the history of the Rolex GMT-Master please click here
Baselworld 2018
With Baselworld commencing tomorrow, Rolex have just announced the production of 3 new GMT-Master II’s, which include; a brand new “Pepsi” model (126710 BLRO) and for the first time in Rolex history, the introduction of 18ct Everose Roselor gold to the GMT-Master II range (more information to come), a brand-new movement ( Caliber 3285) and a five-link Jubilee bracelet.
The Rolex GMT Master II “Pepsi” 126710 BLRO
First of all, a 40mm GMT shows a slightly redesigned case, with new lugs: thinner and more tapered. The case bands have also been slightly redesigned.
The Rolex GMT Master II “Pepsi” 126710 BLRO case is manufactured in Oystersteel and has a bidirectional rotatable bezel and a 24-hour two-colour insert in red and blue ceramic – calling to mind the colours used on the original GMT-Master in 1955.
The Rolex GMT Master II “Pepsi” 126710 BLRO also incorporates a new five-link Jubilee bracelet – which was offered on the historical model too – but now with an Oysterclasp – meaning a sporty bracelet fitted with the Easylink rapid extension system. As usual, the bracelet is both polished and brushed.
It is the first time that the Jubilee bracelet, Oystersteel and the two-colour insert in red and blue ceramic have been brought together on the GMT-Master II.
CALIBRE 3285
With 10 patent applications filed over the course of its development, this self-winding mechanical movement is definitely a demonstration of Rolex technology, at the forefront of the art of watchmaking.
Calibre 3285 offers fundamental gains in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetism, convenience and reliability.
Calibre 3285 incorporates the Chronergy escapement patented by Rolex, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic interference. The Calibre 3285 stores up to 70 hours of power reserve and features a Parachrom hairspring and an improved escapement. It is of course certified as a superlative chronometer.
Is this a dream come true?
Yes absolutely.
It’s great news for us GMT-Master “Pepsi” enthusiasts as it features a Jubilee bracelet, it has a new movement, it has a 40mm case size but mainly because it’s manufactured in stainless steel and is retailing at only £6,800.
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Technical Specifications
MODEL CASE
Oyster, 40 mm, Oystersteel
OYSTER ARCHITECTURE
Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown
DIAMETER
40 mm
MATERIAL
Oystersteel
BEZEL
Bidirectional rotatable 24-hour graduated bezel. Two-colour red and blue Cerachrom insert in ceramic, engraved numerals and graduations
WINDING CROWN
Screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system
CRYSTAL
Scratch-resistant sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date
WATER-RESISTANCE
Waterproof to 100 metres / 330 feet
MOVEMENT
Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding, GMT function
CALIBRE
3285, Manufacture Rolex
FUNCTIONS
Centre hour, minute and seconds hands. 24-hour display. Second time zone with independent rapid-setting of the hour hand. Instantaneous date. Stop-seconds for precise time setting
OSCILLATOR
Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers
WINDING
Bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor
POWER RESERVE
Approximately 70 hours
BRACELET
Jubilee, five-piece links
BRACELET MATERIAL
Oystersteel
CLASP
Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link
DIAL
Black
DETAILS
Highly legible Chromalight display with long-lasting blue luminescence
CERTIFICATION
Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)