Rolex / GMT-Master II
Rolex GMT-Master II
Collection profile · 1982
Rolex’s GMT-Master II is the brand’s modern dual-time travel watch, descended from the original GMT-Master created for long-haul aviation. Introduced in 1982, it added independently adjustable local-hour functionality, making it especially practical for frequent travelers crossing time zones.
Collection shots
Pronunciation & name
jee-em-tee master two
Why it matters
The GMT-Master II matters because it is one of the defining modern travel watches: a Rolex professional model with genuine aviation roots, a highly intuitive independently jumping local-hour hand, and some of the most recognizable two-colour bezels in watchmaking. It bridges pure tool-watch utility, luxury status, and decades of continuous evolution.
Key references
Collection timeline
- 1982 — Rolex launched the GMT-Master II, adding an independently adjustable local-hour hand to the GMT formula.
- 2018 — Rolex introduced calibre 3285 to the GMT-Master II line, bringing the Chronergy escapement and about 70 hours of power reserve.
- 2023 — Rolex released new yellow Rolesor and 18 ct yellow gold GMT-Master II models with a new grey-and-black Cerachrom bezel combination.
- 2024 — Rolex added two Oystersteel GMT-Master II references with the grey-and-black bezel, available on Oyster or Jubilee bracelets.
- 2025 — Rolex introduced its first-ever ceramic dial on a white-gold GMT-Master II, reference 126729VTNR.
News
- The new GMT-Master II: Connecting us to the world 2023 — Rolex introduced yellow Rolesor and 18 ct yellow gold GMT-Master II models with a new grey-and-black Cerachrom bezel combination. ↗
- The new GMT-Master II: Echoing emotions 2024 — Rolex launched two new Oystersteel GMT-Master II references with grey-and-black bezel inserts, one on Oyster and one on Jubilee. ↗
- The new GMT-Master II: The perfect match 2025 — Rolex unveiled a white-gold GMT-Master II with left-side crown, green-and-black bezel, and the brand’s first ceramic dial. ↗
- The Rolex GMT-Master II Models 2025 — Rolex’s collection overview highlights the line’s technical profile and notes the 2025 debut of the first ceramic dial in the GMT-Master II family. ↗
Fun facts
Collector note 1
Rolex says the GMT-Master was adopted by Pan Am flight crews, helping cement its association with global air travel.
Collector note 2
In 2025, the GMT-Master II became the first Rolex collection to receive the brand’s first-ever ceramic dial on a production watch.
FAQ
When was the Rolex GMT-Master II introduced?
Rolex introduced the GMT-Master II in 1982 as the evolution of the original GMT-Master, adding an independently adjustable local-hour hand.
What does GMT-Master II do?
It displays local time plus a second time zone using a dedicated 24-hour hand and a 24-hour graduated rotating bezel; it can also be used to track a third time zone in some setups.
What movement is used in modern GMT-Master II models?
Current references such as 126710BLNR, 126713GRNR, and 126729VTNR use Rolex calibre 3285.
Why is the GMT-Master II bezel two colours?
Rolex uses contrasting day-night bezel colours to make the 24-hour scale easier to read and to emphasize the second-time-zone function.
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