Baselworld 2018 Rolex new GMT-Master II in Oystersteel with a Jubilee bracelet

After weeks of teasing, it’s finally been unveiled. For Baselworld 2018 Rolex is launching a new GMT-Master II in Oystersteel with a Jubilee bracelet. Since its first appearance over 50 years ago, the vintage Pepsi bezel GMT-Master II has been a popular GMT travel time watch for watch aficionados. Since 1955, the iconic 1675 Rolex GMT-Master II was one of the more popular (thanks to its early and prestigious association with Pan American World Airways) and noticeable timepieces manufactured by Rolex in the 1960’s and 1970’s, first introduced with a stunning, glossy, gilt dial, and as later changed to a matte dial in the late 1960s.

The last of the GMT-Master IIs with aluminum insert bezel was the ref. 16710, nicknamed “stick dial GMT Master IIs” due to the clean, sans-serifs “II” in the naming nomenclature on the dial. Sorely missed, the brand eventually released an update to their beloved GMT timepiece in 2014 – the GMT-Master II Pepsi in white gold.

Since 1955, the iconic 1675 Rolex GMT-Master II was one of the more popular (thanks to its early and prestigious association with Pan American World Airways)

While the new GMT-Master II ref. 116719BLRO had a solid heft to it thanks to the precious metal, the timepiece also enjoyed greater macho appeal while keeping the original 40mm proportions intact via thicker lugs and a heavier bezel – gone was the vintage shiny gleam of anodised aluminium and in its place, the slightly duller shine of Cerachrom, a vaunted new patented ceramic based material from Rolex. We would be remiss to point out that last modern stainless steel was the 2013 GMT-Master II “Batman” with blue and black bezel.

Baselworld 2018 Rolex new GMT-Master II in Oystersteel with a Jubilee bracelet

For the very first time, the bezel with a graduated two-colour Cerachrom insert in red and blue ceramic is available on the GMT-Master II in Oystersteel, with a Jubilee bracelet. Originally designed to aid airline pilots in their navigation, the GMT-Master has become an unmistakable icon. Over the years its emblematic bezel has been presented in various colours, in both single and two-coloured combinations. It is the signature feature of its unique and instantly recognizable aesthetics.

For the very first time, the bezel with a graduated two-colour Cerachrom insert in red and blue ceramic is available on the GMT-Master II in Oystersteel, with a Jubilee bracelet.

At Baselworld 2018, Rolex is introducing three new versions of the GMT-Master II with a brand new movement, the new-generation calibre 3285, and a new image. First, we haven’t seen a Jubilee bracelet on a GMT-Master since its glorious vintage years and prior to the new Baselworld 2018 GMT-Master II, it could only be found in present day Datejust models. The as befitting the new five-link Jubilee bracelet, it’s no longer a flip clasp closure but rather an Oysterlock clasp with 5mm comfort extension.

The new 2018 Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi is also powered by an all new calibre which replaces the venerable 3186. The new Calibre 3285 which drives Rolex’s newest stainless steel Pepsi bezel GMT-Master II comes with 10 patent applications representing the pinnacle of Rolex technology. Calibre 3285 offers fundamental gains over the 3186 in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetism, convenience and reliability due to the incorporation of the brand’s patented Chronergy escapement, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. The new GMT-Master II Pepsi’s distinguished movement is also made of nickel-phosphorus which renders it insensitive to magnetic interference. It also boasts 70 hours of power reserve, a huge gain over the calibre 3186’s 48 hours.

2018 GMT-Master II Pepsi with a Jubilee bracelet Price and Specs

Movement Automatic Calibre 3285 with 70 hours power reserve
Case Oystersteel with 100 metres water resistance
Bracelet Five-link Jubilee bracelet with Oysterlock clasp
Price From SGD12,400 or CHF 8,800; two-tone and rose gold models from CHF 13,400