Rolex GMT-Master II Complete Reference Guide

The Watch Built for Pilots

The original GMT-Master was developed in collaboration with Pan American World Airways in 1954. Pilots flying transatlantic routes needed to track two time zones simultaneously, their home time and local time at their destination. The GMT-Master's 24-hour bezel and additional hand solved that problem.

Seventy years later, the GMT-Master II is one of the most versatile and sought-after watches Rolex makes. The two-time-zone complication is genuinely useful. The bezel color combinations have become cultural touchstones. And the secondary market for certain references is as active as any Rolex outside the Daytona.

Understanding the GMT Complication

The GMT-Master II (introduced in 1982) improved on the original by allowing the local time hour hand to be set independently of the GMT hand. This means the wearer can track three time zones: home time on the 24-hour GMT hand, local time on the independently adjustable hour hand, and a third zone on the bezel.

The practical result is a watch that is genuinely useful for frequent travelers, not just a complication for its own sake.

The Bezel Colors and Their Nicknames

The GMT-Master's bezel color combinations have acquired nicknames that are now standard in the collector community.

Pepsi (Red/Blue). The original GMT-Master bezel color, referencing the Pepsi Cola logo. The aluminum Pepsi bezel appeared on references from the 1950s through the 1990s. The modern ceramic Pepsi (ref. 126710BLRO) brought the color combination back in 2018 and immediately became one of the most sought-after Rolex references.

Batman (Black/Blue). The black and blue ceramic bezel introduced on the ref. 116710BLNR in 2013. The nickname comes from the Batman logo's color scheme. The Batman was the first GMT with a two-color ceramic bezel and created significant secondary market demand from its introduction.

Root Beer (Brown/Gold). The brown and gold bezel combination on yellow gold or two-tone (Rolesor) references. The vintage Root Beer references (1675, 16753) are collected for their warm color palette. The modern two-tone Root Beer (ref. 126711CHNR) continues the tradition.

Sprite (Green/Black). The green and black ceramic bezel introduced on the ref. 126720VTNR in 2022. The Sprite is notable for being the first left-handed GMT-Master II, the crown is positioned at 9 o'clock rather than 3. This unusual configuration has made it one of the most discussed Rolex releases in recent years.

Coke (Red/Black). The red and black bezel combination, most associated with the ref. 16760 "Fat Lady" from the 1980s. The wider case of the 16760 earned it the nickname. Vintage Coke references are collected for their distinctive proportions.

Reference Breakdown

Vintage References (pre-1989)

Ref. 1675 (1959-1980). The definitive vintage GMT. Available in steel, yellow gold, and two-tone. Dial variants include "Gilt" dials (gold printing on black) from the early production years. Unpolished examples with original dials command significant premiums.

Ref. 16750 (1981-1988). Updated the 1675 with a sapphire crystal and quickset date. The transitional reference between vintage and modern.

Modern References (1989-2007)

Ref. 16710 (1989-2007). The first GMT-Master II with the independently adjustable hour hand. Available with aluminum Pepsi, Batman (black/blue), and Coke (red/black) bezels. The 16710 is the most accessible entry point into modern GMT collecting.

Ceramic Era (2007-present)

Ref. 116710LN (2007-2019). Black ceramic bezel, steel case. The first GMT with a ceramic bezel. Solid secondary market performer.

Ref. 116710BLNR "Batman" (2013-2019). The original ceramic Batman. Immediately popular and consistently above retail on the secondary market.

Ref. 126710BLRO "Pepsi" (2018-present). The ceramic Pepsi on an Oyster bracelet. One of the most sought-after modern Rolex references.

Ref. 126710BLNR "Batman" (2019-present). Updated Batman with the caliber 3285 movement and Jubilee bracelet option. The Jubilee bracelet Batman commands a premium over the Oyster bracelet version. For a full breakdown of why bracelet choice matters on this reference, see our Oyster vs Jubilee guide. If you are sizing a new GMT bracelet, our link sizing guide covers both the Oyster and Jubilee configurations.

Ref. 126720VTNR "Sprite" (2022-present). Left-handed configuration, green and black bezel. The most recent and most discussed GMT addition.

Which Reference Is Right for You

The right GMT depends on your budget, your preference for vintage vs. modern, and which bezel color speaks to you.

For buyers who want a modern GMT with strong secondary market support and genuine wearability, the Batman (126710BLNR) and Pepsi (126710BLRO) are the benchmarks. Both trade above retail; the Pepsi typically commands a slightly higher premium. For context on how GMT prices have moved since the 2021-2022 peak, see our luxury watch market trends for 2026.

For buyers interested in vintage, the ref. 16710 offers the most accessible entry point into the GMT family with a genuine mechanical complication and a reference that is increasingly collected. Before buying any vintage reference, understanding how to read condition grades is essential, unpolished examples command significant premiums.

At UNAGEDLUXURY, we carry GMT-Master II across multiple references and bezel configurations. Every piece is authenticated and comes with a full condition report.

Rolex GMT-Master II: The Complete Guide to Every Reference