Speaking Softly, Rolex Updates its GMT-Master II at Watches & Wonders 2024
Watches & Wonders 2024 is off to the races, and any first day of the world of horology’s biggest week would be remiss without a first stop by Rolex. Leading a slate of notable releases from the manufacture is the brand’s latest update to its famed GMT-Master II line, with the latest model joining the contemporary 126710 reference series.
The new watch, known formally as the Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II ref. 126710GRNR, is a relatively conservative release, making use of established design codes which have been standard for the brand since the launch of the latest steel “Pepsi” bezel edition of the watch in 2018 via the ref. 126710BLRO. The model comes on the annual heels of other GMT-Master II releases in recent times, including a two-tone edition last year and a left-handed-focused model the year prior to that,
On the wrist, the watch is in many ways standard modern Rolex GMT, featuring a bold 40mm steel case— complete with a signed screw-down crown, a pair of flanking guards on either of its sides, and a 100m water resistance rating. In-line with the 126710reference series, the case also features a bi-directional bezel with a 24-hour GMT ceramic insert, with this detail marking the novel addition for the watch via its black and grey color. The new colorway is notably produced in Rolex’s modern monobloc ceramic style, which the brand has championed since the style’s first introduction.
On the dial, a black display is at work, with a familiar configuration of applied geometric indices, cyclops-magnified date, printed details, and a set of “Mercedes” hands at work. New and distinct here is the watch’s application of green detailing for the GMT hand and “GMT-MASTER II” script, with the verdant touch subtly echoing a familiar color motif of the crowned watchmaker. Rolex has sparingly used the color in other models over the past several years, most notably in the “Destro” (aka left-handed) GMT-Master II previously mentioned, as well as the now-discontinued Air King.
Inside the model, Rolex again opts for its current GMT technology, equipping the new watch with the caliber 3285, which like most other details in the reference series was also introduced in 2018. The automatic movement is one of Rolex’s best modern mechanical offerings, with it balancing a variety of temperature, shock, and magnetic resistance capabilities alongside a solid 70-hour power reserve and chronometer certification.
The new Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 126710GRNR is will be sold via authorized Rolex boutiques, and will be sold either on a steek Oyster or Jubilee-style bracelet. Like almost all steel Rolex watches, the model is almost assured to be very limited in availability, though retail pricing is nonetheless marked at 10,200 CHF, or about $11,300 USD.
To learn more, visit Rolex, here.
