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The GMT-Master II is available this year in two new versions – yellow Rolesor and 18 ct yellow gold – with a Cerachrom bezel insert in grey and black ceramic, an entirely new colour combination.
Rolex introduces two new versions of the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II that signal the return of 18 ct yellow gold to the model. The first is a yellow Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and yellow gold), whereas the second is crafted entirely in this precious metal.
Both share common features. Firstly a two-colour, 24-hour graduated monobloc Cerachrom bezel insert in grey – a new shade – and black ceramic. On the dial, the name ‘GMT-Master II’ is in a powdered yellow colour. These new versions are fitted on a Jubilee bracelet, equipped with an Oysterlock clasp and the Easylink comfort extension link.
The new versions of the GMT-Master II are driven by calibre 3285, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology, enabling it to display the date and an additional time zone in 24-hour format, as well as the hours, minutes and seconds.
Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist.
ONE INSTRUMENT, SEVERAL TIME ZONES
Designed as a navigation aid for professionals criss-crossing the globe, over time the GMT-Master became the watch of choice for travellers. It has a unique and instantly recognizable design with a bidirectional rotatable bezel and a 24-hour graduated insert, which has been made available in various dual-colour combinations – the lower half symbolizing daytime hours and the upper signalling nighttime hours – as well as in single-colour versions. The GMT-Master, a true ‘tool watch’, evolved continually to offer increasing technical performance. In 1982, Rolex unveiled the GMT-Master II, with a movement that allowed the hour hand to be set independently of the other hands.
With traditional hour, minute and seconds hands, a triangle-tipped 24-hour hand, and a bidirectional rotatable bezel with a 24-hour graduated Cerachrom insert, the GMT-Master II can display the time in two time zones simultaneously: either the local time and the reference time, or the local time and that of an alternative time zone. The date is synchronized with the local time.
HIGH-TECHNOLOGY CERAMIC
Rolex played a pioneering role in the development of special ceramics for creating monobloc bezels and bezel inserts. Not only are these materials virtually scratchproof, their colours are also of a rare intensity and are resistant to environmental effects. In addition, thanks to its chemical composition, the high-tech ceramic is inert and cannot corrode. Rolex has developed exclusive expertise and innovative manufacturing methods that grant it complete independence in the production of these ceramic components.
On the new versions of the GMT-Master II, the bidirectional rotatable bezel is fitted with a two-colour, 24-hour graduated Cerachrom insert in grey and black ceramic. The moulded, recessed graduations and numerals are coated with yellow gold via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition). The bezel can also be turned with ease thanks to its knurled edge, which offers excellent grip.
ROLESOR, A MARRIAGE OF GOLD AND STEEL
Rolesor, the combination of gold and Oystersteel on a Rolex watch, has been a signature feature of the brand since 1933, when the name was registered. It is a meeting of two metals: one, noble and precious, attractive for its lustre and stability; the other, highly resistant to corrosion, assuring strength and reliability. All of these qualities mirror the elegance and performance that come together in a Rolex watch.
On the new GMT-Master II offered in the yellow Rolesor version, the bezel, winding crown and bracelet centre links are in yellow gold; the middle case, case back and bracelet outer links are in Oystersteel.
THE OYSTER CASE, SYMBOL OF WATERPROOFNESS
A paragon of robustness and reliability, the 40 mm Oyster case of the new versions of the GMT-Master II is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). The middle case of these versions is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel or 18 ct yellow gold. Its case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. The Triplock winding crown, fitted with a triple waterproofness system and protected by an integral crown guard, screws down securely against the case. The crystal, which features a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for easy reading of the date, is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and benefits from an anti-reflective coating. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimal protection for the movement it houses.
PERPETUAL CALIBRE 3285
The new versions of the GMT-Master II are equipped with calibre 3285, a movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex that was released in 2018 and introduced on the model the same year. A distillation of technology, this self-winding mechanical movement delivers outstanding performance in terms of precision, power reserve, convenience and reliability.
Calibre 3285 incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel- phosphorus, this escapement is resistant to strong magnetic fields. The movement is fitted with a blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy. The hairspring offers great stability in the face of temperature variations as well as high resistance to shocks. It is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring the calibre’s regularity in any position. The oscillator is mounted on the Rolex-designed, patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movement’s shock resistance. The oscillating weight is now fitted with an optimized ball bearing.
Calibre 3285 is equipped with a self-winding system via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of calibre 3285 extends to approximately 70 hours.
JUBILEE BRACELET AND OYSTERLOCK SAFETY CLASP
The new versions of the GMT-Master II are fitted on a Jubilee bracelet. Supple and comfortable, this five-piece link bracelet was specially created for the Oyster Perpetual Datejust, which was launched in 1945. The Jubilee bracelet of these new versions features the Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening. It is equipped with the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by Rolex, which allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm. On the version entirely in 18 ct yellow gold, the bracelet also includes patented ceramic inserts – designed by the brand – inside the links to enhance its flexibility on the wrist and its longevity
SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER CERTIFICATION
Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015. This designation testifies that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria, following the official certification of the movements by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). The in-house certification tests apply to the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement, guaranteeing superlative performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding. The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer is of the order of −2 /+2 seconds per day – the rate deviation tolerated by the brand for a finished watch is significantly smaller than that accepted by COSC for official certification of the movement alone.
The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.
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