Description

The history of the Rolex GMT-Master debuted with a collaboration with the now defunct Pan American Airways, the first model was released in 1954-1955 and given to the crew on the long-haul flights. The major feature was the second time zone (GMT) with dedicated hand giving time on the rotatable red & blue bezel that had a 24-hour display, hence the “Pepsi” nickname.

The model became quickly popular as a pilot’s watch and very recognisable among international world travellers. Various upgrades and metal variations were released over the years such as bi-color, full gold but the most famous remain the steel versions nicknamed respectively; Coke due to its red/black bezel, model that is discontinued today, Pepsi for the red/blue bezel and Batman for the blue & black bezel model.

The present watch is the latest very attractive Everose gold version, since this alloy is patented it is exclusively used by Rolex. World travellers favourite, it is also known by its nickname “Rootbeer” due to its rose gold bi-directional ceramic bezel.  Unlike the steel version this reference 126715CHNR comes with Oyster bracelet only.

Rolex – bio

Founded by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, England in 1905 as Wilsdorf and Davis, Rolex moved its base of operations to Geneva, Switzerland in 1919.  Their success is due to their innovation namely the legendary “Oyster” case – first water resistant watch and their extremely reliable movements.
The most famous models are Datejust, Day-Date, Daytona, Explorer, GMT-Master, Submariner and many more.
The company is owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, a family private trust.
One story, never confirmed by Wilsdorf, recounts that the name came from the French phrase horlogerie exquise, meaning “exquisite clockwork”.