Rolex GMT Master II

Overview

The Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLRO is one of the most recognisable modern travel watches in production. Its blue-and-red Cerachrom bezel has earned it the affectionate “Pepsi” nickname, while the watch itself remains firmly rooted in Rolex’s original 1950s GMT-Master concept: a robust, highly legible wristwatch designed to display more than one time zone at a glance. This example combines that heritage with contemporary Oystersteel construction, a 40mm case and the practical refinement of Rolex’s modern GMT-Master II platform.

Priced at £17,950, the 126710BLRO offers a compelling balance of horological capability, everyday durability and enduring recognition. It is equally at home with business attire, weekend clothing or frequent travel, supported by a dedicated 24-hour hand, independently adjustable local-hour hand and a rotating bezel that extends its time-zone functionality. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, this is a watch with a clear identity, exceptional usability and a design language that has remained remarkably consistent across generations.

Brand and reference history

Rolex introduced the original GMT-Master in the 1950s in response to the needs of international airline crews. Its additional 24-hour hand and graduated bezel allowed wearers to track a second time zone, an innovation that helped establish the model as one of the defining professional watches of the era. The GMT-Master II developed that idea further by allowing the conventional hour hand to be adjusted independently, making it possible to read local time, reference time and a third zone using the bezel.

The reference 126710BLRO belongs to the current generation of Rolex GMT-Master II watches and is distinguished by its Oystersteel case, black dial, five-link Jubilee bracelet and red-and-blue ceramic bezel. The reference was introduced as a modern interpretation of a particularly celebrated colour scheme, while retaining the technical advances expected from a contemporary Rolex. Within the broader collection of Rolex watches, it occupies a particularly desirable position because it combines a historic professional function with one of the brand’s most instantly identifiable appearances.

Dial, hands and design detail

The black dial provides a restrained background for the watch’s more distinctive details. Large applied hour markers are filled with Rolex Chromalight luminous material, producing a long-lasting blue glow in low-light conditions. The contrast between the dark dial, white surrounds and luminous indices makes the display clear and immediately readable, whether the watch is being checked in an airport lounge, at a desk or outdoors after dark.

The central hour and minute hands are joined by the red 24-hour hand, which points to the engraved scale on the bezel and provides the watch’s second-time-zone reading. A framed date window sits at three o’clock beneath the Cyclops lens in the sapphire crystal, enlarging the date for quick reference. Subtle finishing details, including the applied Rolex crown, precise printing and polished hand surfaces, reinforce the balance between utility and luxury that defines the GMT-Master II.

Case, bracelet and wearability

The 40mm Oyster case is made from Rolex Oystersteel, a corrosion-resistant stainless-steel alloy selected for its combination of strength, stability and ability to retain a polished finish. Its proportions remain familiar and versatile, with a solid central case, robust lugs and a screw-down crown protected by crown guards. The construction is designed for daily use, while the polished and brushed surfaces create enough contrast to give the watch a distinctly premium presence.

The bidirectional bezel is produced from Rolex Cerachrom ceramic, a material engineered to resist scratches and maintain its colour over time. Its blue and red division is not merely decorative: the 24-hour graduations are essential to the GMT function. The bezel numerals and markings are filled with platinum using a specialised process, adding clarity and a discreet flash of precious-metal detail. The watch is paired with a Jubilee bracelet, whose five-link design offers a more refined visual character than the three-link Oyster bracelet while remaining robust enough for everyday wear. Rolex’s Oysterlock clasp and Easylink comfort extension further support secure, adaptable wear.

Movement and technical specification

Inside the 126710BLRO is Rolex calibre 3285, an automatic mechanical movement developed specifically for the GMT-Master II. It provides the watch with a local-hour adjustment that can be moved independently in one-hour increments, allowing the date and local time to be set without stopping the movement or disturbing the 24-hour reference hand. This is particularly useful when crossing time zones, as the wearer can adjust to local time while preserving home-time information.

Calibre 3285 uses Rolex’s Chronergy escapement, manufactured from an energy-efficient, magnetically resistant nickel-phosphorus alloy. It also incorporates a blue Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers, features intended to improve resistance to magnetic fields and everyday impacts. The movement offers approximately 70 hours of power reserve when fully wound and is regulated to Rolex’s Superlative Chronometer standard. The watch has a screw-down crown, a solid case back and a stated water-resistance rating of 100 metres, giving it practical protection for normal daily activities and surface swimming.

Sizing and how it wears

At 40mm, the GMT-Master II occupies a versatile middle ground. It has enough visual authority to feel substantial, but its diameter remains easy to accommodate on a broad range of wrists. The curved case profile and articulated Jubilee bracelet help it settle naturally rather than sitting rigidly on top of the wrist. Its functional bezel and red 24-hour hand add presence, yet the black dial keeps the overall impression controlled and wearable.

The Jubilee bracelet is an important part of the wearing experience. Its closely articulated links move comfortably around the wrist, while the Easylink extension allows a small adjustment when conditions change during the day. The watch is suitable for those looking for a single luxury sports watch that can move between settings without appearing out of place. Compared with a more overtly dress-focused model such as a Rolex Daytona, the GMT-Master II places greater emphasis on travel utility and multi-time-zone legibility.

Collectability and market value

The 126710BLRO is highly sought after because it brings together several qualities that collectors consistently value: a long-established Rolex professional model, an instantly recognisable bezel colourway, a contemporary in-house movement and a Jubilee bracelet with strong everyday appeal. The “Pepsi” designation connects the watch to the visual history of earlier GMT-Master references, while the Cerachrom bezel gives the current model a sharper, more durable execution.

At £17,950, this watch sits within the premium pre-owned market for a modern steel Rolex with significant demand. Value is influenced by factors such as overall condition, bracelet integrity, service history, box and papers, and the strength of the wider market at the time of purchase. Unlike a short-lived fashion piece, the GMT-Master II benefits from a durable design identity and a genuinely useful complication. It remains one of the most recognised options within the wider category of gmt & travel watches.

Authenticity, condition and servicing

Authenticating a Rolex GMT-Master II requires more than checking a logo or comparing photographs. The case profile, Cerachrom bezel, dial printing, luminous materials, hands, crown, clasp and movement must all be assessed together. The reference 126710BLRO has a number of specific details that should correspond correctly, including its red 24-hour hand, blue-and-red bezel, Jubilee bracelet and calibre 3285 movement. A careful inspection is essential to identify replaced, refinished or non-original components.

Condition should be considered in the context of a pre-owned luxury watch. Light signs of wear may be consistent with careful ownership, while deeper marks, excessive polishing, bracelet stretch or damage to the bezel require closer evaluation. Servicing should be undertaken by an appropriately qualified specialist using suitable Rolex-compatible parts and procedures. A correctly maintained GMT-Master II is designed to provide many years of reliable use, but mechanical watches still benefit from periodic inspection and sensible care, particularly when exposed to water, shocks or magnetic fields.

Buying this watch from us

Buying a pre-owned Rolex is an important decision, particularly when choosing a model as recognisable and technically specific as the GMT-Master II 126710BLRO. We present this watch with clear product information and a focus on accurate description, helping you assess its design, function and place within the modern Rolex collection before committing to purchase. The asking price for this example is £17,950.

Our approach is centred on confidence and informed buying. We can discuss the watch’s specification, appearance, practical GMT operation and the considerations that matter when selecting a pre-owned Rolex. If you are looking for a watch with genuine travel functionality, strong wrist presence and enduring collector interest, the blue-and-red GMT-Master II offers an unusually complete proposition. Contact us to discuss availability and the next steps for acquiring this Rolex professional model.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLRO?

The Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLRO is a stainless-steel travel watch with a black dial, blue-and-red Cerachrom 24-hour bezel, GMT hand and automatic calibre 3285 movement. It is widely known as the “Pepsi” GMT-Master II.

Why is it called the Pepsi GMT?

The nickname refers to the watch’s blue-and-red bezel, whose colours are associated with the Pepsi brand identity. Collectors use the term informally to distinguish this colourway from other GMT-Master II bezel combinations.

Can the GMT-Master II show three time zones?

Yes. The main hands show local time, the red 24-hour hand displays a reference time on the bezel, and the bezel can be rotated to read a third time zone when required.

What movement does the 126710BLRO use?

It is powered by Rolex calibre 3285, an automatic GMT movement with an independently adjustable local-hour hand, approximately 70 hours of power reserve and Rolex Superlative Chronometer certification.

Is the Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLRO suitable for daily wear?

Yes. Its Oystersteel case, scratch-resistant ceramic bezel, screw-down crown, 100-metre water resistance and adaptable Jubilee bracelet make it well suited to regular use, subject to sensible care.

How much does this watch cost?

This example is offered at £17,950. Pre-owned watch value can vary according to condition, included accessories, service history and wider market demand.