The GMT-Master line from Rolex was released and designed around the demands of modern day pilots and aviation enthusiasts who regularly traverse multiple time zones. First introduced in the 1950s for Pan Am pilots and refined and updated ever since, with the GMT-Master II being the current production version. The latest GMT reference from Rolex is the 126710GRNR, which features a grey and black bezel and constructed from full stainless steel. Below, you’ll see exactly why the GMT-Master II remains the ultimate travel watch in 2025, and why it's one of the most demanded Rolex watches, with long wait lists for purchasing from authorised dealers.
1. Multiple Time Zones at a Glance
The key attributes that make this watch so special is the GMT hand and the 24 hour marked bidirectional Cerachrom bezel. You can set your local time with the conventional Mercedes hand, and then use the GMT hand to set your home time against the 24 hour markers on the bezel. You can then rotate the bezel to track a third time zone. No other complication can deliver instant orientation like this, even when your phone battery dies at immigration, your watch can still tell you where and when you are.
2. Travel-Proof Movement Technology
Inside the 40 mm Oystersteel case beats the Calibre 3285, Rolex’s in-house automatic movement launched in 2018. It brings:
| Feature | Travel Benefit |
|---|---|
| 70‑hour power reserve | Keeps perfect time through a long‑haul weekend without winding |
| Chronergy escapement | 15% more efficient, ideal for power‑hungry complications |
| Parachrom hairspring | Anti‑magnetic for airport security scanners |
| Paraflex shock absorbers | Protect accuracy from overhead‑bin turbulence |
Those advances meet the Superlative Chronometer –2/+2 s day tolerance, so your connecting flights stay on schedule.
3. Oystersteel Strength, First-Class Comfort
Rolex's in-house developed 904L Oystersteel resists the chloride-rich sweat of red-eye travel far better than ordinary 316L steel. The GMT-Master II comes presented on an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet. Both bracelets feature the Easylink expansion that offers micro-adjustment of the bracelet, this is super beneficial during long pressured flights when your body can swell.
4. 100 Metres of Water Resistance
Whether you are in the cockpit of an aeroplane or passenger on holiday, there is always time for beach tours and hotel pools once you reach your destination. The screw-down Triplock crown and hermetic Oyster case guarantees 100m water resistance, so you never need to worry about splashes, quick dips, or sudden tropical downpours. It's important to ensure the crown on your GMT is always screwed down tightly, as this creates a water tight seal. This isn't a watch designed for deep dives like the Sea Dweller or Submariner, but for realistic travel scenarios this watch is more than enough.
5. Effortless Date Management
Struggling through jet lag and multiple time zones becomes simple thanks to the GMT-Master II's independently adjustable hour hand. You can adjust the hour hand independently of the minutes hand, allowing you to role forward or backward an hour, or move the date wheel with ease. You can preserve chronometer accuracy while the instantaneous date wheel flicks over at midnight, eliminating one more headache on arrival.
6. Proven Value Retention
On the grey market, all current production GMT-Master II references trade well above their advertised list price. This is a classic case or demand outstripping supply. Over the last 10 years many references have outpaced many stock market indices. When buyers are looking for an “investment grade travel watch,” the model that hits the top of the results is the Rolex GMT-Master II. Many vintage GMT-Master models are highly collectible, with it achieving some of the highest valuations for a utility watch.
7. Heritage You Can Wear Anywhere
The beauty of the GMT-Master II is that it can transition between performing in the skies, to being wearable in the office. Slip the current model under a shirt cuff and you can compliment any work attire.
Final Call
Whether you need to juggle breakfast meetings in New York, conference calls in London, or a quick stop in Bali, the Rolex GMT-Master II performs without fuss every time. Its dual time zone functionality, highly reliable time keeping, and its travel-centric ergonomics make it the only watch you need from check in to check out. Factor in Rolex’s international service network, and 5 year warranty that is valid in any country. Rolex has over 100 authorised centres worldwide, meaning you can get access to the help you need when you need it.
For in-depth specs, pricing, and availability, explore our current stock of pre-owned Rolex watches for sale.
