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.

Rolex – bio

Founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, initially as Wilsdorf & Davis Ltd. Renamed Rolex by 1908 and 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 words “horlogerie exquise”‘è, meaning “exquisite clockwork”.