The new Rolex GMT-Master II 126710 makes the half-ghost bezel accessible, in theory
Buffy Acacia- While many fans expected a Coke bezel, Rolex goes with a ghosty black and grey for the new GMT-Master II.
- The black-on-black-on-grey combo is unlikely to be the game-changer that a coloured ceramic bezel would be, but it’ll undoubtedly be a hit among fans.
- The monochromatic GMT is available on either a Jubilee or Oyster bracelet.
There is a distinct impression of Rolex which sees it as uncaring, heightened, and almost entirely separate from the customers who keep it as luxury watchmaking’s top dog. But, that image has slowly been fading over the last few years of releases. It’s clear that Rolex is still setting a lot of trends rather than following them, but it’s definitely started to sprinkle in some references which feel like it’s actually servicing fans. The latest version of the Rolex GMT-Master II is one of them, with a black and grey bezel in Oystersteel.
I would normally say that a stainless steel release is a more accessible alternative when the previous versions were only available with precious metals, however we’re all too familiar with how desirable steel Rolexes are. This combination of the GMT-Master II with its half-grey bezel may be cheaper than its siblings from last year’s Watches & Wonders, but it will certainly be harder to get a hold of. The grey of the bezel may just be a popular colour at the moment, but it does evoke some of the ‘ghost’ bezels of vintage Rolex 16710 Coke references, where only the red section has faded in the sun.
Aside from the new allocation of bezel colour and case material, this GMT-Master II is business as usual. It has a 40mm diameter with rather stern case design, brushed on its main surfaces and polished on the edges. The silhouette is so recognisable at this point that it transcends time period, and seems ageless. The dial tells a similar story, with white applied indices on a black backdrop, and just a pop of green with the GMT-MASTER II text and the GMT hand.
The new GMT-Master II 126710 is available either on an Oyster or a Jubilee bracelet, depending on your preference for stoicism or exuberance. There is still a baseline level of dressiness with the oyster variant however, thanks to a polished centre link. It’s powered by the Rolex calibre 3285, which boasts a 70 hour power reserve, a 4Hz beat rate, and a lot of other technical points such as a paramagnetic Parachrom hairspring, Microstella nuts and Paraflex shock absorbers. The point which really matters, is the accuracy rating within +/-2 seconds per day under Rolex’s own chronometer standards.
Rolex GMT-Master II pricing and availability
The new Rolex GMT-Master II 126710 is now available. Price: CHF 10,200
| Brand | Rolex |
| Model | GMT-Master II |
| Reference | 126710 |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 11.9mm (T) |
| Case Material | Oystersteel |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire crystal |
| Dial | Black with green GMT hand, black and grey GMT bezel insert |
| Strap | Oystersteel Oyster or Jubilee bracelet, folding clasp |
| Movement | 3285, in-house, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, GMT, date |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | CHF 10,200 |
Read our overview of every watch released by Rolex at Watches and Wonders 2024.