RolexGMT Master II

Long ago, the Rolex GMT-Master was originally designed for professional use to aid airline pilots. However, its combination of peerless functionality and instantly recognisable aesthetics has attracted a wider audience today. The original GMT-Master II Ref. 116710 BLNR was first introduced in 2013, much to the delight of the brand’s enthusiasts. In 2019, the wildly popular timepiece was in receipt of an update in the same way that the 126710 BLRO ‘Pepsi’ was: A new Jubilee bracelet, and a brand new movement.

For those familiar with the ‘Pepsi’, this 2019 126710BLNR is essentially the same watch with a different coloured bezel. Yes, unless you are new to the watchmaking scene, this is just another day at the office for Rolex; the Crown makes mild cosmetic tweaks to pre-existing watches and presents them at Baselworld.

The most prominent change to the appearance of the new Ref.126710 BLNR is the bracelet. Introduced in 1945 to celebrate the company’s 40th anniversary, the ‘Jubilee’ bracelet, now engineered to be five-links across, replaces the Oyster bracelet. This, of course, is a polarising move given that the Jubilee is ‘fancier’ and vintage – hence was traditionally more suitable for a dressier watch like the Datejust – while the Oyster is purely austere and arguably more suited to a sporty tool watch like the GMT-Master II. Whether one likes the new bracelet or not is completely down to preference. What’s less subjective about the Jubilee bracelet is the comfort and ergonomics it offers, where its uncanny ability to conform to the wearer’s wrist makes it superior to any bracelet in the market.

The watch’s bezel with a two-colour Cerachrom insert with blue and black ceramic was first seen in 2013 with the original BLNR. The two colour combination on a single-piece ceramic was a world first and the colour transition is all but imperceptible.

All else about the Ref. 126710 BLNR – from the case to the dial and to the hands – remains unchanged except for one small detail: the tiny inscription at 6 o’clock. In this current version of the watch, there is a coronet between ‘SWISS’ and ‘MADE’ where there is none in the older version.

Driving the Ref. 126710 BLNR is the new 31-jewel Calibre 3285 – the same movement beating inside last year’s “Pepsi”. It has a power reserve of 70 hours (great for an automatic movement) and operates at a modern 4 Hz beat rate. With over 10 patents filed over the course of its development, the Calibre 3285 is truly at the forefront of innovation. These innovations – according to Rolex – offer fundamental gains in terms of precision, power reserve, shock resistance, anti-magnetism, and reliability. For instance, the Calibre 3285 is equipped with the proprietary Chronergy escapement for energy efficiency, and the Parachrom balance spring for shock and temperature resistance, as well as anti-magnetism. From a functionality standpoint, nothing has changed. The movement drives the hour, minute, and second hand, as well as the GMT hand, centrally; a date disc is used to display the date via an aperture at 3 o’clock on the dial.

As they say, “You shouldn’t change a winning formula,” and it is certain that Rolex, as one of the most successful businesses in the world, absolutely knows this.

This Rolex GMT Master II 126710BLNR is in mint condition with no perceptible marks to the case, caseback or bracelet. The inner and outer boxes, papers and accessories merit a full set from new, in superb condition.

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