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GMT‑Master II

The cosmopolitan watch

Designed to show the time in two different time zones simultaneously, the GMT-Master, launched in 1955, was originally developed as a navigation instrument for professionals criss-crossing the globe. Heir to the original model, the GMT-Master II was unveiled in 1982, with a new movement ensuring ease of use. Its combination of peerless functionality, robustness and instantly recognizable aesthetics has attracted a wider audience of world travellers.

GMT-Master II

Design

HIGH-TECHNOLOGY
CERAMIC

The emblematic two-colour bezel makes the GMT-Master II instantly recognizable. This bidirectional rotatable bezel is fitted with a 24-hour graduated Cerachrom insert manufactured from extremely hard ceramic, created thanks to a pioneering process developed by Rolex. Made in a single piece, it is virtually scratchproof, offers excellent anti-corrosion properties and keep its vibrant colours over time.

The two-colour Cerachrom insert is divided in two halves: one for daytime hours and the other for night-time. Rolex developed an exclusive technique to create the Cerachrom insert in red and blue – the GMT-Master’s original colours. The sharp, clear demarcation between the two colours is the result of great delicacy and precision during different stages of the colouring process.

The numerals and graduations are moulded in the ceramic and then coated in a one-micron-thick layer of gold or platinum via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition). A final polish removes the metal from the rest of the bezel’s surface to achieve a smooth and lustrous finish.

The 18 ct Everose gold and Everose Rolesor versions of the GMT-Master II introduced in 2018 both feature a bezel with a Cerachrom insert in a black and brown ceramic. On the dial of each watch, the name “GMT-Master II” is inscribed in powdered rose, a first for the range.

The GMT-Master II in 18 ct white gold presented in 2019 features a meteorite dial for the first time. This dial is crafted from an extremely rare slice of iron meteorite that travelled billions of kilometres across the solar system to reach Earth. During the course of its journey, the metals that constitute the meteorite – essentially iron and nickel – gradually crystallize, producing metallic formations. These natural patterns make each Rolex meteorite dial truly unique.

GMT-Master II
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Features

Two
time zones
at once

When abroad, travellers can read the time in two time zones simultaneously. With traditional hour, minute and seconds hands, a triangle-tipped 24-hour hand and a bidirectional rotatable bezel with 24-hour graduated Cerachrom insert, the GMT-Master II can display either the local time and the reference time, or the local time and that of an alternative time zone.

The GMT-Master II houses calibre 3285, a movement that allows travellers to easily adjust their local time via the winding crown, without stopping the watch or affecting the 24-hour hand. As a result, people can simultaneously read their local time as well as the time “back home”. The date change is linked to the traditional hour hand (local time).

Calibre 3285 is a new-generation movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. A consummate demonstration of technology, this self-winding mechanical movement offers fundamental gains in terms of precision, convenience and reliability, as well as resistance to shocks and magnetic fields. Calibre 3285’s power reserve is approximately 70 hours.

The 18 ct gold versions of the GMT-Master II are fitted with the three-piece link Oyster bracelet, while the Oystersteel versions are available with a five-piece link Jubilee bracelet. In 2019, the blue and black Cerachrom bezel insert, Oystersteel and Jubilee bracelet were brought together on the GMT-Master II for the first time.

The Oyster and Jubilee bracelets are equipped with a Rolex-designed Oysterlock safety clasp that prevents accidental opening. It is also fitted with the Easylink rapid extension system that allows the wearer to increase the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm, providing additional comfort.
GMT-Master II

History

Conquering
the skies

The Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master was launched in 1955, at a time when intercontinental travel was experiencing a rapid expansion. It even became the official watch of Pan American World Airways – better known as Pan Am – then the most prominent American intercontinental airline.

When Concorde, the first supersonic passenger airliner, performed its final test flights in the 1960s, Rolex proudly announced that both the British and French test pilots wore GMT-Master watches, cementing the status of the GMT-Master in an era of supersonic flight.

1955 - Launch of the GMT-Master

24-hour graduated two-colour insert in Plexiglas.

Emblematic design
On the original 1955 model, the 24-hour graduated bezel insert was divided into two halves – one red, to correspond with daylight hours, and one blue, for night-time.

Over the years, the insert has been made available in different colour combinations. Initially made from Plexiglas, it was replaced by anodized aluminium in 1959 and high-technology ceramic in 2005.

1982 – Launch of the GMT-Master II

The new movement allowed the hour hand to be set independently.

Independent hour hand
On the original GMT-Master, the conventional hour hand, the minute hand and the 24-hour hand were synchronized. In 1982, Rolex introduced a new movement that allowed the hour hand to be set independently of the other hands.

To clearly mark this evolution, and to avoid any confusion with the existing GMT-Master watches, the models fitted with the optimized movement were named the GMT-Master II. From then on, using and setting the watch became easier and more intuitive.

2005 - GMT-Master II

with 24-hour graduated Cerachrom insert in black ceramic.

Ceramic bezel insert
In 2005, Rolex replaced the bezel insert in aluminium with ceramic – a further innovation. As a pioneer in the design and creation of ceramic components, the brand developed its monobloc bezels and monobloc ceramic inserts in-house.

Since then– for optimal legibility – the numerals and graduations have been moulded into the ceramic and then coated with a thin layer of gold or platinum via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition).  

2013 - GMT-Master II

with 24-hour graduated two-colour Cerachrom insert in blue and black ceramic.

2014 - GMT-Master II

with 24-hour graduated two-colour Cerachrom insert in red and blue ceramic.

2018 - GMT-Master II

with 24-hour graduated two-colour Cerachrom insert in brown and black ceramic. Introduction of the new-generation calibre 3285.

Every Rolex
Tells a Story

Mark Webber

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  5. View all GMT-Master II models

Experience

the GMT-Master II

in Store

Nothing beats experiencing first-hand the meticulous details, the balanced weight, the comfort and simply the feel of a Rolex watch.

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