Testing the Amazing Rolex GMT-Master II
Rolex has updated its popular travel watch, the GMT-Master II, in stainless steel with a blue and black “Batman” bezel. We tested one of the first pieces with a Jubilee bracelet and a new movement in this feature. The blue-and-black color scheme on the bezel of this fake Rolex GMT-Master II has led its fans to call it “Batman.” The current version comes with a Jubilee bracelet and a new movement, due out in 2019. Its predecessor with these same colors appeared in 2013 and was the first Rolex model to feature a two-tone ceramic bezel. This particular color combination did not exist before.
The first GMT-Master II in 1954 featured a blue and red 24-hour scale, which later became known as the “Pepsi” because of this color combination. These colors were originally chosen to more clearly distinguish day and night time in the second time zone. These and other specifications originated with Pan American Airlines, who requested this model. The new jets made intercontinental flights shorter and more popular, and as the number of flights increased, so did the demand for watches with dual time zone capabilities. The GMT-Master’s popularity came from the style of its pilot’s watches and its colorful, at-a-glance bezel. Later, there were reserved versions such as the black and red “Coke” watch model.
Today, there are two versions of the GMT-Master II steel watch, differing only in the color of the bezel: the Pepsi and the Batman, our test watch. Both feature a new movement and the five-row Jubilee bracelet that was once reserved for the Datejust model only. Rolex replica previously equipped the GMT-Master II Gold and Rolesor GMT-Master II models with the sportier three-row Oyster bracelet. Rolex designed the Jubilee bracelet for the Datejust in 1945, but the GMT-Master was also available with an optional Jubilee bracelet as early as 1959. Like the Oyster bracelet on the GMT-Master II, the inner links are polished and the outer links are brushed.
The high-quality clasp on the Jubilee bracelet is near-perfect in both workmanship and handling. The folding safety lever blends in with it when closed. Lifting the replica Rolex crown to open the safety lever reveals a lever that is also easily lifted to fully open the clasp.
Additionally, with the GMT-Master II, another time zone can be temporarily set via the bezel. For example, if you are in the United States and work with a company in Europe, you can simply turn the bezel and the GMT-Master II will show you the time in the desired time zone at a glance. All in all, the GMT-Master II offers a very useful time zone function.