Rolex is introducing two new Oystersteel versions of the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II. Both feature a 24-hour graduated two-colour Cerachrom bezel insert in grey and black ceramic – introduced last year – whose graduation is clearly visible thanks to its platinum coating, applied via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition). The first watch is fitted with an Oyster bracelet, while the second sports a Jubilee bracelet.
The black lacquer dial bears the inscription ‘GMT-Master II’ in green, echoing the colour of the triangle-tipped 24-hour hand – an element that features strongly in the model’s design. The GMT-Master II is driven by calibre 3285, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology, enabling it to display the date and an additional time zone in 24-hour format, as well as the hours, minutes and seconds.
The 24-hour hand of the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II displays much more than just an alternative time zone. It points to another location that resonates with the wearer – a reminder of the emotions that accompany each traveller.
Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist. Designed as a navigation aid for professionals criss-crossing the globe, over time the GMT-Master became the watch of choice for travellers.
It has a unique and instantly recognisable design with a bidirectional rotatable bezel and a 24-hour graduated insert, which has been made available in various dual-colour combinations – the lower half symbolising daytime hours and the upper signalling nighttime hours – as well as in single-colour versions.
The GMT-Master, a true ‘tool watch’, evolved continually to offer increasing technical performance. In 1982, Rolex unveiled the GMT-Master II, with a movement allowing the hour hand to be set independently of the other hands.
With traditional hour, minute and seconds hands, a triangle-tipped 24-hour hand, and a bidirectional rotatable bezel with a 24-hour graduated Cerachrom insert, the GMT-Master II can display the time in two time zones simultaneously: either the local time and a reference time, or the local time and that of an alternative time zone. The date is synchronised with the local time.
The GMT-Master II is equipped with calibre 3285, a movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex that was released in 2018 and introduced on the model the same year. A distillation of technology, this self-winding mechanical movement delivers outstanding performance, particularly in terms of precision, power reserve, convenience and reliability.
Both the Oyster bracelet and the Jubilee bracelet of the GMT-Master II are equipped with the Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening. They also feature the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by Rolex, which allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5mm.