However, it wasn’t until the “Batman” reference 116710BLNR hit the market in 2013 with a rich black and blue insert that the iconic bi-color bezel became available in ceramic. The split-color bezel has been a fixture of the GMT-Master series since the inaugural model from 1955. Several short years after the GMT-Master II received its major overhaul, Rolex invented Chromalight – a proprietary luminous material that glows brilliant blue in the dark and remains crisp white during the day. As its name would suggest, the hour markers and hands are noticeably larger than the non-Maxi dials that preceded it. The bezel mounting also received an upgrade, operating on 24 clicks instead of 120 to better correspond with its 24-hour scale.Īnother defining feature of the GMT Master II’s modern makeover was its Maxi dial. The 6-digit series also marked the GMT-Master II’s transition from aluminum bezels to Cerachrom – a tough and proprietary ceramic material that is virtually scratch-resistant and impervious to the fading effects of UV light. On the wrist, the case appears slightly larger than its 40mm diameter might suggest, earning it the “Super Case” nickname that you frequently hear in collecting circles. It was at this time that the GMT Master II received a completely redesigned case with a more resistant Triplock winding crown, broader lugs, and larger crown guards. Largely following the design of its predecessor, this model proved to be an immense success and remained in production until the mid-2000s when Rolex started to roll out the modern, 6-digit GMT-Master II series. ![]() It didn’t take Rolex long to refine the GMT-Master II to offer a sleeker case and higher-beat movement with the ref. This more advanced movement also initially required a fatter case, which ultimately led to its various nicknames. With this upgrade, the wearer can adjust the 12-hour hand without disturbing the 24-hour hand, permitting the display of two different timezones with the dial alone, and freeing up the bezel for quick access to a third. 16760, honoring its predecessor’s core aesthetic while bringing also fresh and modern design elements such as a sapphire crystal and a red and black “Coke” bezel insert.Ĭosmetic updates aside, the most noteworthy update to accompany the GMT-Master II series was a movement with independently adjustable hour hands. The first GMT Master II took the market by storm in 1982 as the “Fat Lady” (or “Sophia Loren”) ref. The GMT-Master enjoyed an impressive production run that continued until 1999, overlapping with its successor, the Rolex GMT-Master II. ![]() Featuring a bi-directional 24-hour bezel and a dedicated arrow-tipped 24-hour hand on the dial, the Rolex GMT-Master allowed wearers to quickly read both home time and local time simultaneously. ![]() It was developed in collaboration with the Pan American Airway company (Pan Am Airlines) to help pilots and other avid travelers during long flights. The Rolex GMT Master II is an evolution of the original GMT-Master, which began production in 1955 in the form of the reference 6542.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |