Notes: Ever since the introduction of the stainless steel Rolex GMT-Master II 116710LN, people have been craving for a version with a Pepsi bezel. When Rolex introduced the white gold version in 2014, reference 116719BLRO, the craving became more intense than ever before. This BaselWorld, Rolex showed us the new steel Rolex GMT-Master II Reference 126710. With a Jubilee bracelet. That’s right, the new Rolex GMT-Master II reference 126710 comes on a type 69200 bracelet. And that’s basically the only option for this watch, as an Oyster bracelet will not even fit the new case of the new Pepsi GMT-Master II.

This new Rolex GMT-Master II is different from the previous models, such as the ‘Batman’ and aforementioned 116710LN, since the movement has been upgraded to the Rolex caliber 3285. This movement with GMT function complies to all current Rolex standards. It features the newer large barrel that ensure a power reserve of 70 hours, the Chronergy escapement and Paraflex shock absorbers. In short, a movement that has enough power reserve for almost 3 days and is designed in such way that it is highly efficient and is certified to perform within -2 and +2 seconds a day on average. Well within chronometer specifications.

Mechanism: The new caliber 3285 movement replaces the caliber 3186. It has a larger overall diameter allowing for a larger barrel offering a 70 hour power reserve. The caliber 3285 also has the updated Chronergy escapement allowing for 15% more efficiency as per Rolex claims.

The new calibre 3285, a new-generation movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. With 10 patent applications filed over the course of its development, this movement features a Chronergy escapement and a guaranteed power reserve of approximately 70 hours. Like all Rolex Perpetual movements, the 3285 is a certified Swiss chronometer, a designation reserved for high-precision watches that have successfully passed the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) tests. The 3285 is equipped with a Parachrom hairspring, offering greater resistance to shocks and to temperature variations. Its architecture, in common with all Oyster watch movements, makes it singularly reliable.

Family Notes: Although the Rolex GMT-Master was designed essentially for professional use, its combination of peerless functionality and rugged good looks has attracted a wider travelling public. As well as appreciating its ability to display different time zones, these travellers admire the robustness and versatile appearance that make the GMT-Master eminently suitable for globetrotting and, indeed, for any occasion.