Rolex GMT Master II

Rolex Watches

Rolex produced specific models suitable for the extremes of deep-sea diving, caving, mountain climbing, polar exploration, and aviation. Early sports models included the Rolex Submariner (1953) and the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Sea Dweller. The latter watch has a helium release valve, co-invented with Swiss watchmaker Doxa, to release helium gas build-up during decompression. The Explorer (1953) and Explorer II (1971) were developed specifically for explorers who would navigate rough terrain, such as the world-famous Mount Everest expeditions. Another iconic model is the Rolex GMT Master (1954), originally developed at the request of Pan Am Airways to provide its crews with a dual time watch that could be used to display GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), which was the international time standard for aviation at that time and was needed for Astronavigation during longer flights. Rolex is the largest manufacturer of Swiss made certified chronometers. In 2005, more than half the annual production of COSC certified watches were Rolexes. To date, Rolex still holds the record for the most certified chronometer movements in the category of wristwatches. Rolex SA is owned by the private Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, which is registered as a charity and does not pay corporate income taxes. In 2011, a spokesman for Rolex declined to provide evidence regarding the amount of charitable donations made by the Wilsdorf Foundation. In Geneva, where it is based, it has gifted, among many things, two housing buildings to social institutions of Geneva. Rolex was also the second watch company to create a water resistant wristwatch that could withstand pressure to a depth of 330 feet (100 m). Wilsdorf even had a specially made Rolex watch (the watch was called the "DeepSea") attached to the side of Trieste, which went to the bottom of the Mariana Trench. The watch survived and tested as having kept perfect time during its descent and ascent. This was confirmed by a telegram sent to Rolex the following day saying "Am happy to confirm that even at 11,000 metres your watch is as precise as on the surface. Best regards, Jacques Piccard".

Rolex GMT Master

Although the original Rolex GMT Master model was available only in stainless steel, as it was created as a functional work watch, Rolex has been making luxury versions in both a mix of steel and gold, and all-gold since the 1950s, and there are even {special|exotic variations that have elaborate styling that include precious stones. It’s tough to pick a winner here, but for me it really comes down to the dial design and I’m very much in the Explorer II’s camp on this one. I really like the broader hands and the orange stands out brilliantly against the black dial. I find that the green 24-hour hand on the GMT Master II can get lost in certain lighting conditions due to a lack of contrast with the glossy black dial. The GMT II has a slightly glitzier look to it with the glossy bezel and polished centre links, which gives it a nice presence on the wrist and looks great when paired with smarter clothes. But personally I prefer the brushed finish on the case and bracelet of the Explorer II, as it’s a little more on the subtle side.

GMT Master II

In the early 1980s the Rolex GMT Master II was released (although production of the original version continued alongside it until the late 1990s). Although the watch looks almost identical it uses a movement that has the additional capability of an independently adjustable quickset hour hand that can be adjusted to local time without stopping the seconds or disturbing the minutes and 24 hour GMT hand. As the watch continues to feature the rotatable bezel it is able to quickly compute any third timezone reference. An updated Rolex GMT Master II was released in 2005. This new model features a number of technical changes, such as Rolex's patented Parachrom hairspring as well as a larger Triplock crown (from the diver's watches). The new model also has several cosmetic changes, such as larger case, hands and hour markers and also a new bezel made using an extremely hard ceramic material that is designed to be more scratch and fade resistant. Also included in the update is a new and more luxurious style of bracelet that has heavier solid links and a machined clasp. The stainless steel version now joins the precious metal versions by having highly polished centre links on its bracelet, which gives the watch a more dressy appearance but can be prone to scratches when used as an everyday watch.

Rolex GMT Master II
Rolex GMT Master II Watches
Rolex GMT Master II Prices
GMT Master II
Rolex GMT II
Best Rolex GMT Master II
Best Rolex GMT Master II Watches
Best Rolex GMT Master II Prices
Best GMT Master II
Best Rolex GMT II

Rolex GMT Master II