Combining a two-colour rotatable bezel and an additional 24‑hour hand, the GMT‑Master II is a tool watch that simultaneously displays two time zones to provide travellers with a permanent link between here and there.
GMT function Two time zones at once
The GMT-Master II features an additional, triangle-tipped hand which completes a full revolution in 24 hours, indicating a second time zone against the graduation on the bezel. Used for the reference time (home time), it sits alongside the conventional hour hand (local time), which circles the dial in 12 hours and is adjusted independently of the other hands.
Turning the bidirectional rotatable bezel also allows the time in an alternative time zone to be displayed. Rolex optimized the rotation system by incorporating a trigonal spring that enables the bezel to be turned with ease to locate each of the 24 different hour positions. Thanks to its knurled edge offering excellent grip, the bezel can be adjusted comfortably, creating a tactile connection between the wearer and the watch.
Cerachrom insert Advanced technology
Manufactured by Rolex and patented, the Cerachrom bezel insert is crafted from high-technology ceramic. Following an initial single-colour black insert introduced in 2005, several further years of research and development were necessary to obtain a monobloc two-colour bezel insert.
First released in blue and black in 2013, then presented with the emblematic red and blue of the original model in 2014, the Cerachrom insert now also exists in brown and black, grey and black, as well as in a green and black pairing on a unique version of the GMT-Master II with the winding crown on the left side of the case.
As it is extremely hard and virtually scratchproof, high-technology ceramic can only be machined with special tools. Its colours are unaffected by ultraviolet rays, and its chemical composition means that is inert and cannot corrode.
The markers and numerals on the 24-hour graduation are moulded into the ceramic before being coated with a contrasting precious metal – yellow gold, pink gold or platinum – via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition).
Oyster and Jubilee bracelets Comfortable, robust and reliable
Historically always offered on an Oyster bracelet, the GMT-Master II is the only Rolex Professional watch to also feature a Jubilee bracelet.
Developed in the late 1930s, the metal Oyster bracelet with broad and slightly curved three-piece links is particularly robust and remains the most universal bracelet in the Oyster Perpetual collection.
Suppleness and comfort are the watchwords for the metal Jubilee bracelet, comprising rows of five links – three narrower links in the centre and two broader links at the edges. Specially created for the Datejust, which was launched in 1945, it has since come to equip other models, including the GMT-Master II.
The Oyster and Jubilee bracelets of the GMT-Master II are fitted with the patented Oysterlock safety clasp. Reserved for Professional watches, this clasp features an additional safety catch that prevents accidental opening and ensures both secure fastening and seamless ease of use for wearers.
Integrated into the clasp, the Easylink comfort extension link allows the bracelet length to be easily adjusted by approximately 5 mm by means of a fold-away link, for instantly enhanced comfort.
Exclusive alloys and precious combinations
Resistance and refinement
The GMT-Master II is available in Oystersteel, an exclusive alloy that belongs to the 904L steel family, most commonly used in high-technology environments, such as in the aerospace and chemical industries.
In 1985, Rolex became the first watchmaking brand to use solid blocks of 904L steel to manufacture certain cases. Oystersteel is extremely corrosion-resistant and boasts a unique radiance, which retains its lustre even when the watch is put to extreme use.
Whether 18 ct yellow, white or Everose gold, all Rolex golds are entirely created and cast in the brand’s own foundry. Composed of 750‰ pure gold and blends of silver, copper or palladium, these precious alloys are distinguished by their remarkable radiance and quality.
The GMT-Master II in 18 ct white gold with a red and blue bezel features either a midnight blue lacquer dial or a more exclusive dial made from meteorite. The version in 18 ct Everose gold sports a brown and black colour combination, while the watch in 18 ct yellow gold showcases a Cerachrom bezel insert in grey and black.
A brand signature since the early 1930s, Rolesor is a marriage of metals, combining gold and steel in a duet where refinement meets robustness.
The qualities of the two alloys elevate the GMT-Master II in its Everose Rolesor versions with brown and black bezel insert and yellow Rolesor versions featuring an insert in grey and black.
Oyster case with Triplock winding crown Reinforced waterproofness
The 40 mm Oyster case of the GMT-Master II is a paragon of robustness and reliability. With a middle case made of Oystersteel or 18 ct yellow, white or Everose gold, it is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet) following the rigorous tests conducted as part of the Superlative Chronometer certification process.
The waterproofness of the GMT-Master II’s Oyster case is reinforced by a Triplock winding crown. Presented in 1970, this screw-down crown contains three sealed zones. It is composed of some 10 parts made from materials chosen for their intrinsic qualities: polymers for the watertight seals, and Oystersteel, precious metals or RLX titanium for the mechanical and aesthetic components.
The Triplock winding crown, which screws down hermetically against the case, is identified by three raised marks below the Rolex emblem: dot or dash symbols, depending on the material from which the crown is made.
Chromalight display and Cyclops lens Optimal legibility
Incorporating a Chromalight display and the Cyclops lens, the GMT-Master II is equipped with two exclusive Rolex features that make the dial easy to read.
The Chromalight display provides optimal legibility under all light conditions. The luminescent material is a brilliant white in daylight and emits an intense blue glow in the dark. It is applied manually to the hour markers and hands.
Introduced in 2008, the Chromalight display was optimized in 2021 to maintain the intensity of the blue glow for longer. The performance of this luminescent substance clearly exceeds the standards required by watchmaking norms.
The dial of the GMT-Master II features large, luminescent hour markers in simple shapes – triangles, circles, rectangles – characteristic of Professional watches. These geometric markers help ensure reliable and instant time reading.
Designed to improve the readability of the date thanks to its magnifying effect, the Cyclops lens is both an aesthetic and technical signature of the brand. This Rolex invention was patented in the early 1950s. Today, it benefits from a double anti-reflective coating. Like the watch’s crystal, it is made of sapphire and is virtually scratchproof.
Calibre 3285 A movement made for travellers
The GMT-Master II is equipped with calibre 3285, a self-winding mechanical movement that allows the local time to be easily adjusted via the winding crown. This adjustment is done without stopping the watch and therefore without affecting the 24-hour hand. The date change is linked to local time and takes place instantaneously at midnight.
Entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex, calibre 3285 carries a number of patents. It offers outstanding performance, particularly in terms of precision, power reserve, convenience and reliability.
Calibre 3285 incorporates the Chronergy escapement, made of nickel-phosphorus. This patented escapement combines high energy efficiency with great dependability and is resistant to strong magnetic fields.
A distillation of technology, this movement is also fitted with the blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured in a paramagnetic alloy. In addition to resisting strong magnetic fields, this hairspring offers great stability in the face of temperature variations. It is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring the calibre’s regularity in any position.
The oscillator is mounted on the Rolex-designed, patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, which enhance the movement’s shock resistance.
Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of calibre 3285 extends to approximately 70 hours.
