The Rolex GMT-Master is the original dual-timezone wristwatch — designed in 1955 for Pan American World Airways pilots who needed to track two time zones simultaneously during transatlantic flights. Seventy years later, the GMT-Master II has evolved from a pilot's tool into one of the most coveted luxury watches in the world, distinguished by its colorful bi-color ceramic bezels that have earned their own nicknames: "Pepsi," "Batman," "Sprite," "Coke," and "Root Beer."
The GMT-Master Story
1955–1982: The Original GMT-Master
The original GMT-Master (Ref. 6542) was created in collaboration with Pan Am. It featured a 24-hour hand and a bidirectional rotating 24-hour bezel in blue and red — colors chosen to distinguish day hours (red/warm) from night hours (blue/cool). This blue-and-red color scheme would eventually become the legendary "Pepsi" bezel.
The GMT-Master served a purely functional purpose: a pilot departing New York for London could set the 24-hour hand to GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) while using the main hands for local time. The rotating bezel could track a third time zone if needed. This was genuinely useful aviation technology in an era before digital flight instruments.
1983–Present: The GMT-Master II
The GMT-Master II (introduced in 1983 with Ref. 16760) added independent adjustment of the local hour hand. This meant a traveler could change the local time by jumping the hour hand forward or backward in one-hour increments — without stopping the watch or affecting the running seconds. This "quick-set" local hour hand made the GMT-Master II significantly more practical for frequent travelers.
The current generation (Ref. 126710) uses the caliber 3285 with a 70-hour power reserve, Cerachrom ceramic bezel inserts, and the refined case and bracelet introduced in the 2018 redesign.
Current GMT-Master II Models (2026)
"Pepsi" — Ref. 126710BLRO (Blue/Red on Jubilee)
The most iconic GMT-Master colorway, directly descended from the 1955 original. The blue and red Cerachrom ceramic bezel is one of Rolex's most technically impressive achievements — producing two distinct colors on a single piece of ceramic requires a proprietary process that took years to develop. Offered on the Jubilee bracelet, giving it a slightly dressier character than the Oyster.
MSRP: ~$10,900 · Secondary market: $15,000–$18,000
Best for: Heritage enthusiasts and buyers who want the original GMT colorway. The most sought-after variant.
"Batman" / "Batgirl" — Ref. 126710BLNR (Blue/Black on Jubilee or Oyster)
The blue and black ceramic bezel — originally nicknamed "Batman" when it debuted on an Oyster bracelet, and "Batgirl" when it moved to Jubilee. The more subdued color combination makes this the most versatile GMT-Master for daily wear. The dark colors work with virtually everything from casual to business attire.
MSRP: ~$10,900 · Secondary market: $14,000–$17,000
Best for: Daily wear versatility. The most understated and wearable GMT-Master colorway.
"Sprite" — Ref. 126720VTNR (Green/Black, Left-Handed)
The newest GMT-Master variant features a green and black bezel with the crown positioned at 9 o'clock instead of the traditional 3 o'clock — making it the first left-handed Rolex sport watch. The "destro" (left-hand drive) configuration is designed to be worn on the right wrist, though many right-handed buyers wear it on the left wrist for its distinctive look.
MSRP: ~$10,900 · Secondary market: $16,000–$19,000
Best for: Collectors seeking something different, left-handed wearers, and those who appreciate the novelty of the destro configuration.
Precious Metal GMT-Master II Variants
The GMT-Master II is available in Everose gold with a brown/black "Root Beer" bezel, two-tone "Rolesor" (steel and gold), and yellow gold. These variants are generally more available at authorized dealers than the steel models. The Everose "Root Beer" has become particularly popular for its warm, versatile color palette.
MSRP: $14,500 (two-tone) to $42,000+ (full gold)
Best for: Buyers who want a GMT-Master without the steel waitlist and appreciate precious metal craftsmanship.
How to Buy a GMT-Master II
The GMT-Master II sits between the Submariner and Daytona in terms of availability — harder to get than the Sub, but more accessible than the Daytona at most authorized dealers.
Authorized dealer strategy: Similar to the Submariner — build a relationship, express specific interest in the reference and color you want, and be patient. The "Pepsi" and "Sprite" are the hardest to obtain; the "Batman" is slightly more available. Expect 3–12 months for most steel references with an established relationship.
Secondary market: All steel GMT-Master II references trade above MSRP, typically by $3,000–$8,000. Previous generation references (116710) offer the GMT function with a different case size (40mm vs current 42mm) at slightly lower secondary market prices.
The practical choice: If you want a Rolex GMT now without the waitlist, the two-tone "Root Beer" on Jubilee is often more available at ADs and offers an arguably more distinctive look than the all-steel variants.
Which GMT-Master II Should You Buy?
For heritage and collector value: The Pepsi. It's the original colorway, the most recognizable, and the strongest performer on the secondary market.
For daily versatility: The Batman. The blue/black color scheme works with everything and doesn't draw unwanted attention in conservative settings.
For something different: The Sprite. The destro configuration is genuinely unique in the Rolex lineup and has developed a passionate following.
For availability: The Everose "Root Beer." More likely to be available at your AD without an extended wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
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