Commit TV Yagi Column ~Digging Deeper into the GMT Master Part 2~

Good evening everyone!

Did you see Part 1, in which we took a deeper look at the GMT Master that we introduced last time?

If you haven't seen it yet, please watch the video below, as it will likely help you understand the content better.

⇩⇩The history and lineage of the Rolex GMT Master that will be on the test⇩⇩

Well, this time, when we talk about the "GMT Master" at our store, it's this man! Nemochi, appraiser Tsubasa Nemoto, will be introducing the "GMT Master II", so please enjoy.

⇩⇩If you want to know more about Nemochi's love for the GMT Master⇩⇩

What is the GMT-Master II?

The GMT Master, which was born in 1955 , was popular at the time for its colorful bezel and ability to keep track of a second time zone.

About 30 years later, a new movement, "Cal. 3085," was released that allowed the hour hand to move independently. When used in conjunction with a 24-hour bezel, this model made it possible to keep track of up to a third time zone; this is the "GMT-Master II" that we will introduce this time.

From this year's new releases to the current model that has been the talk of the town , Rolex has released bezel designs in a variety of colors, making it one of the most popular sports models from Rolex.

The Genealogy of the GMT-Master II

"Ref.16760" Production period: 1982-1988

The first GMT-Master II, Ref. 16760, was born in 1982.

As it continued to be sold alongside the inferior "GMT Master" until 2000, the "GMT Master" was offered in a black bezel or a red and blue (Pepsi) bezel, while the "GMT Master II" was only offered in a red and black (Coke) bezel, to differentiate it from the other models .

The production period was short, and there were almost no changes in design compared to the second-generation GMT-Master II, Ref. 16710, which was born later. However, the Ref. 16760 has a thick case, which has earned it popularity with nicknames such as " Fat Lady " and " Sophia Loren ."

"Ref.16710" Production period: 1988-2007

The second generation "GMT Master II" "Ref. 16710" was released in 1988.

The Ref. 16710, which was changed from Cal. 3085 to Cal. 3185, is a highly refined and long-selling model that has been in production for nearly 20 years. During its long production period, various minor changes were made.

 *Main minor changes:
 ① Luminous paint changed from tritium to Luminova 
②From single buckle to double buckle
 3. Flash fit is now integrated
 ④ No side holes in the case
 5) Only the 2007 production model is equipped with the "Cal.3186"

As mentioned above, until around 2000, the bezel was only available in red and black (Coke) colors, but after production of the "Ref. 16700" ended, black bezels and red and blue (Pepsi) bezels were also added.

*Red and blue (Pepsi) bezel "Ref.16710"

*Black bezel "Ref.16710"

The only tritium version of the "Ref. 16710" is the red and black (Coke) bezel. If you see a tritium version with a red and blue (Pepsi) bezel or a black bezel, you can be sure it is a replacement bezel.

Additionally, the " stick dial " found in the D, Z, and M series and those equipped with "Cal. 3186" are considered rare, and the " final M series " model with a " stick dial " is considered to have extremely high market value.

*The "stick dial" of GMT-MASTER II has the "II" separated to form "ll"

Many models manufactured after 2007 have a roulette engraving on the outer edge of the dial, but the "Ref. 16710" never had a roulette engraving until the very end.

By the way, the combination model "Ref. 16713" and the solid gold model "Ref. 16718" will also be available.

* "Ref.16713" is a combination model.

*"Ref.16718" is available as a solid wood model.

"Ref.116710LN" Production period: 2007-2019
"Ref.116710BLNR" Production period: 2013-2019

※ "Ref.116710LN"

The third generation "GMT-Master II" "Ref.116710LN" and "Ref.116710BLNR" have larger indexes and cases compared to the "Ref.16710", improving visibility and robustness.

The bezel has been changed from an aluminum bezel to a Cerachrom bezel. The directly engraved numerals and hard Cerachrom make it less susceptible to scratches and will remain in good condition even after years of use.

*The "Ref.116710LN" V-number also has a rare "stick dial" model.

The Ref. 116710LN, released in 2007, was a hot topic at the time for its unprecedented design, featuring Rolex's corporate color green on the dial logo and 24-hour hand. In addition, the rare " stick dial" is only found on the V-series (manufactured in 2009) .

※ "Ref.116710BLNR"

In 2013, the new lineup was added: the Ref. 116710BLNR. For the GMT Master, whose bezel color is one of the most important factors in its popularity, the addition of the new blue-black (Batman) bezel color attracted the most attention.

※ "Ref.116718LN"

Here's a little tidbit of information: the first third-generation GMT-Master II was actually the solid gold model, Ref. 116718LN.

This model was released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the birth of the GMT-Master, and features a green dial and Cerachrom bezel, which are Rolex's corporate colors.

* "Ref. 116713LN" is a combination model.

At the same time, the combination model "Ref. 116713LN" and the solid 18KWG (white gold) model "Ref. 116719BLRO" will also be added to the lineup.

* "Ref. 116719BLRO" is a solid 18KWG (white gold) model.

"Ref.126710BLRO" Manufacturing period 2018~
"Ref.126710BLNR" Production period 2019~

At Baselworld 2018, the "Ref. 126710BLRO" was released featuring the highly anticipated red and blue bezel (Pepsi).

When it was first released, it was available with a Jubilee bracelet, giving it a luxurious feel that was different from the conventional GMT-Master II, and it quickly became very popular.

* "Ref.126719BLRO" Blue dial

In addition, the "Ref. 126719BLRO" will also be available with a blue dial and a meteorite dial.

※ "Ref.126711CHNR"

In addition, the combination model with 18KERG (Everose gold), "Ref. 126711CHNR", and the solid model "Ref. 126715CHNR" were also announced at the same time.

※ "Ref.126715CHNR"

The combination of 18KERG (Everose Gold) and a black/brown bezel has a calm, mature color scheme, and has been very popular since its release, and continues to be so today.

New model "Ref.126720VTNR" manufactured from 2022

And then there's the much talked about "GMT-Master II" "Ref. 126720VTNR", which was announced as a new model for 2022.

This watch, which was introduced at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2022 in Rolex's corporate color green, quickly attracted attention with its fresh coloring that had never been seen before . Furthermore, the crown and calendar are placed on the opposite sides, making it a "left-handed model" that has rarely been available at Rolex recently. It has not yet been confirmed to be available in Japan, but it is definitely a model that will become popular in the future.

summary

This time we take a deeper look at the GMT-Master II.

The more you learn about the historical background and the history of this model, the more you will like it.

By the way, as I write this, my love for the GMT Master has grown even more (laughs).

Our store has been strengthening its handling of the GMT Master and GMT Master II, so if you are considering purchasing or selling them, please feel free to contact us.

Once again, I hope that by reading this article, even one more person will become interested in the GMT-Master II .

see you!