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Get to Know More About the Rolex GMT Master ll
Rolex GMT Master ll
Rolex gives people what they want in a watch – precise chronograph, date function, and great mechanism. When there’s a need for knowing the time while you are out to travel, GMT Master was released in 1955. It specialized in giving you three time zones. The display shows local time, a secondary GMT hand that finishes a 24-hour circuit of the dial, and a 24-hour bezel to set the third timezone.
The commitment that Rolex performs in producing high-quality timepieces made them create the GMT edition. It helped pilots commit on schedule and business people traveling for their business and leisure. Even watch enthusiasts always wait for Rolex’s iterations. Thus, the rise of GMT Master was born with additional features. It has many models, yet there’s something different that you can only find in a Rolex GMT Master ll.
How Rolex developed the new edition of GMT Master
In 1955, the Oyster Perpetual GMT Master was produced. During that time, intercontinental travel was rapidly expanding. Pan Am or Pan American World Airways, the most significant airline at that time, had Rolex as their official watch. In 1982, they released a new movement. It kept the hour hand to be set independently of the other hands, eventually giving the number “ll” to GMT Master.
The standard hours, minutes, and 24-hour hands were synchronized on the original GMT-Master. It needed to pull the crown and turn the hands of hours and minutes in setting the date and time. The same step is used in forming the local hours. You had to bring the crown out to the third and final point.
The first Rolex GMT ll was the outcome of a request from aviators who wanted a tool that would make a difference and have functionality that pilots could use. Since long-haul flights are spent traveling and dealing with different time zones, the watch was given to the crews of the planes. It enabled them to keep track of all flights worldwide accurately.
Distinctive features
GMT Master ll is one of the most popular GMT watches. Rolex continued the heritage of GMT Master and improved its functionality that most people are after. Are you wondering about its distinctive features? Take a look at the list below.
- Metal choices range from stainless steel, Rolesor (two-tone), Everose, and white gold.
- 24-hour scale bidirectional bezel
- extra hour hand for the GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
- Scratch-resistant Cerachrom-made bezels with color variations
- High-tech ceramic
- Three-time zone displays
- COSC certified (Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute)
- In-house Caliber 3285
- 70-hour power reserve
GMT Master II Bezel Colors
Pepsi
It is the original and most common color combination from 1955 to 2018 with blue and red colors. The blue section of the 24-hour bezel indicates 1800 to 0600, while the red sector indicates daytime hours from 0600 to 1800.
In addition, the caliber is an in-house 3285 movement. From 2014 to 2017, this is the updated version of the Rolex caliber 3186 utilized for Pepsi versions. Caliber 3285 is most recognized for its superior shock and magnetic resistance, which allows it to last longer.
Coca- Cola
Rolex first introduced the iconic black-and-red GMT-Master II bezel combination in 1982. When comparing older models to newer models, you’ll find a slight difference in the size of the crown guards. It is similar in appearance to the GMT-Master II Pepsi. The red-and-black tint is the only difference. The Coke variant’s caliber is 3085 and has been used in the watch since 1980.
Root Beer
The Dirty Harry is another term for the Root Beer color scheme of GMT-Master. It was famously worn by Clint Eastwood, despite his most famous character wearing a Timex as he blew away the bad guys. It uses the 3185 movements for versions published from 1989 to 2006, while Caliber 3186 is used for models after 2007. They both have a 50-hour power backup, although the latter is more magnetism resistant.
Batman
In 2013, Rolex introduced the black-and-blue bezel combination of GMT Master ll. Since its debut, it earned the nickname “Batman” from patrons. Its dark color scheme gives it a gloomy appearance befitting the character of the hero, Batman. It reached a high demand and now it becomes hard to own one as you need to wait for months to have it. You can have it online, but it will cost a lot more.
Fat Lady
The Fat Lady is called the Fat Lady because its caliber, 3085, is relatively larger than the previous watches of GMT Master by 1mm. Between 1983 and 1988, Rolex only made this watch for five years and came up with red and black bezel colors. The Caliber 3085 is also visible in early Explorer II models.
The Mechanism
Rolex’s Caliber 3285 powers the latest GMT-Master II. Its self-winding mechanical watch movement is a superb display of Rolex’s rock-solid, great innovation. The significant benefits in precision have ten patent claims issued throughout its development. Other excellent attributes of GMT Master II are power reserve, shock, and magnetism resistance.
The Caliber 3285 performs Chronergy, the innovative Swiss lever chronograph movement used by Rolex. It is the mechanism that resists magnetic interference. The oscillating balance wheel, which is the true crown jewel of the watch, is coupled with an optimized blue Parachrom hairspring. It is ten times more accurate than a standard hairspring.
In addition, Calibre 3285’s power reserve is extended to about 70 hours thanks to its innovative winding barrel architecture and the escapement’s superb productivity. Even after a weekend of not wearing it, there’s more than enough to keep the clock ticking.
Final Say
Rolex GMT Master II provided a significant function in the world of watchmaking. Traveling now gets more manageable, especially for our aviation officers that need to know the different time zones they are heading. The unique beauty of Rolex and its excellent quality proved to be its edge in keeping it on the top sellers, among other luxury watches of today.
If you wish to find the best Rolex GMT Master II design for you, visit our site – Watch Shopping.com. Get one now!
Sebastian was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Saad Mushtaq has contributed to many online publications including the PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Saad Mushtaq earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Saad Mushtaq follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.Thanks