Rolex GMT-Master II Watches
Big Watch Buyers offers a curated selection of authenticated, pre-owned Rolex GMT-Master II timepieces in the New York Diamond District. Browse our full Rolex collection or explore the GMT-Master II lineup below.
The Pilot's Watch That Conquered the Sky
In 1955, Pan American Airways approached Rolex with a problem: their pilots were flying transatlantic routes and needed to track two timezones simultaneously — home time and destination time. Rolex responded with the GMT-Master (ref. 6542), featuring a 24-hour hand and a rotating bezel marked in two colors to distinguish daytime from nighttime hours at a glance. The original bezel was made of Bakelite with painted numerals — fragile, but luminous and beautiful. The GMT-Master II (introduced 1982, ref. 16760) added an independently adjustable 24-hour hand, allowing the wearer to set a third timezone without stopping the watch. The current generation (2018+) features a ceramic bezel that will never fade — solving the one problem that defined vintage GMTs for 60 years.
Bezel Color Guide: The GMT's Visual Language
The GMT-Master II is the only Rolex where the bezel color is the primary identifier — collectors refer to models by nickname rather than reference number. Understanding the color code is essential for buying and selling.
Pepsi (Blue/Red) — The original. Blue represents nighttime hours (6 PM–6 AM), red represents daytime (6 AM–6 PM). The Pepsi bezel debuted in 1955 and has been the most collectible GMT configuration for 70 years. Current reference: 126710BLRO (steel on Jubilee). Trades at a significant premium above retail.
Batman (Blue/Black) — The modern classic. Introduced in 2013 (ref. 116710BLNR), the Batman was the first two-color ceramic bezel — Rolex had previously believed that two-tone ceramic was impossible to produce. The blue/black split represents a single timezone transition rather than the day/night of the Pepsi. Current reference: 126710BLNR (steel on Jubilee). Trades above retail, but below the Pepsi.
Root Beer (Brown/Black) — The two-tone signature. Available on the steel-Everose reference 126711CHNR and the full Everose 126715CHNR. The brown/black bezel evokes the original 16753 "Root Beer" of the 1970s — a warm, vintage-inspired palette that reads as more casual than the Pepsi or Batman.
Sprite (Green/Black) — The Left-Handed GMT. Reference 126720VTNR features a green/black bezel with the crown on the left side of the case — Rolex's first production left-handed watch. The Sprite is the newest GMT nickname and the most distinctive configuration in the current lineup.
The GMT-Master II Lineup
GMT-Master II Steel Pepsi (Ref. 126710BLRO) The icon. 40mm steel case with caliber 3285 (70-hour power reserve), ceramic Pepsi bezel, and Jubilee bracelet. The steel Pepsi is the most demanded GMT and the one with the longest waitlist at authorized dealers. Pre-owned, it trades at the highest premium of any steel GMT.
GMT-Master II Steel Batman (Ref. 126710BLNR) The daily driver. Same specs as the Pepsi with a blue/black ceramic bezel. The Batman is more widely available than the Pepsi and trades at a lower premium — making it the better value steel GMT for buyers who prefer the blue/black palette.
GMT-Master II Two-Tone Root Beer (Ref. 126711CHNR) The value play. Steel-Everose case with caliber 3285 and brown/black ceramic bezel on Jubilee bracelet. The two-tone GMT trades at or near retail — a fraction of the steel premium. For buyers who want the GMT experience without the above-retail pricing, the Root Beer is the smartest buy.
Steel Pepsi vs. Steel Batman vs. Two-Tone Root Beer
| Pepsi (126710BLRO) | Batman (126710BLNR) | Root Beer (126711CHNR) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bezel | Blue/Red ceramic | Blue/Black ceramic | Brown/Black ceramic |
| Case | Steel | Steel | Steel + Everose |
| Retail | $11,050 | $11,050 | $14,800 |
| Pre-Owned | $16,000–$20,000 | $13,000–$16,000 | $12,000–$15,000 |
| vs. Retail | +45–81% | +18–45% | -19 to +1% |
Pre-Owned Pricing Guide
| Model | Retail (approx.) | Pre-Owned Range | Premium/Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel Pepsi (126710BLRO) | $11,050 | $16,000–$20,000 | +45–81% |
| Steel Batman (126710BLNR) | $11,050 | $13,000–$16,000 | +18–45% |
| Steel Sprite LH (126720VTNR) | $11,050 | $14,000–$18,000 | +27–63% |
| Two-Tone Root Beer (126711CHNR) | $14,800 | $12,000–$15,000 | -19 to +1% |
| Everose Root Beer (126715CHNR) | $39,350 | $25,000–$33,000 | -36 to -16% |
| White Gold Meteorite (126719BLRO) | $42,050 | $28,000–$36,000 | -33 to -14% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Pepsi or Batman — which should I buy?
A: The Pepsi is the original and the most collectible — it is the GMT that collectors dream about. The Batman is more versatile (blue/black works with more outfits) and more accessible (lower premium). If you are buying to wear daily, Batman. If you are buying for maximum collectibility and visual impact, Pepsi.
Q: Why is the two-tone Root Beer so much cheaper than the steel models?
A: The steel GMTs trade above retail because demand exceeds supply. The two-tone does not have the same demand pressure — it is readily available at retail, so the secondary market price stays near or below retail. You get the same caliber 3285, the same ceramic bezel, and the same GMT functionality at a lower total cost. The two-tone is the value buyer's GMT.
Q: Jubilee or Oyster bracelet?
A: The current steel GMT-Master II is available only on the Jubilee bracelet. The previous generation (116710) was Oyster-only. If you prefer the Oyster, you need the older generation or an aftermarket swap. Rolex does not offer a factory Oyster on the current steel GMT.
Sell or Trade Your GMT-Master II
Our specialists provide transparent valuations for every GMT-Master II reference. We understand the nuances: bezel color (Pepsi commands the strongest premium), reference generation (126710 vs. 116710), bracelet type (Jubilee vs. Oyster), and the presence of the original box, warranty card, and hang tags. Given the complexity of GMT movements and bezel inserts, every piece receives detailed authentication as part of our evaluation. Walk into our 47th Street showroom for an immediate appraisal, or use our fully insured Parcel Pro shipping label for a remote evaluation with same-day payment.
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