Watch Buyers Review: The New Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 116710 BLRO (Blue-Red)

When Rolex launched the original GMT in the mid 1950's it was designed as an aviator's watch and was originally commissioned by PanAm airlines. The watch featured a fourth hand that allowed for additional time display and the corresponding time units were marked on the outside bezel. This second time feature was used by pilots across the globe to display Greenwich Mean Time, which is where the GMT in the name originates from. Although pilots subsequently switched over to UTC, the name remains. Rolex GMT watches have always had a two-tone bezel to indicate day and night and the GMT-Master II is the second watch in the series to feature the blue and red combination. The bezel is made from patented blue and red cerachrom and is designed to be durable and scratch resistant. Rolex watch buyers can expect to pay around $9,000 as this is the recommended retail price for the time piece. The New Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 116710 BLRO (Blue-Red)

Patented Cerachrom finish a major feature

Anyone looking to buy or sell a Rolex GMT-Master II knows that each and every watch crafted is a masterpiece, and the utmost care has gone into creating the finest possible product. It was for this reason that Rolex created cerachrom, a ceramic type substance that forms the bezel. For years it was suspected that it was impossible to create two tone cerachrom bezels but the GMT blue/red Master II has put paid to that rumour. The bezel is not made up of two pieces joined together. It is in fact one continuous sphere and Rolex is the only brand in the world that has been able to perfect this technique. The cerachrom is patented and no other watch brand will feature this two-tone bezel in such a unique finish.

Additional features add to the value

Another key feature of the watch is also found on the bezel. The numbers displayed on this two-toned bezel are made from a thin layer of platinum and the actual bezel has been diamond polished to attain its shine. The watch remains a standard 40mm in size and features parachrom hairspring, Rolex calibre 3186 and a Breguet overcoil. The dial of the watch is black lacquer and the unique Chromolight appliques and hands of the watch are crafted from 18k white gold. The watch does not need to be wound and the movement is automatic. The glass of the face has been created using sapphire glass which is incredibly durable and relatively scratch resistant, and the watch is water resistant up to 100 metres. The Rolex GMT-Master II features an adjustable bracelet style strap made from 904L steel and featuring plished centre links. There an Easylink 5mm extension comfort clasp for wider wrists and the watch snaps close with ease. The features of the blue and red 'Pepsi' Rolex GMT-Master II make it exceptional and Rolex watch buyers will consider this a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to invest in a quality time piece.