Rolex GMT-Master II – Models, References and Differences

The Rolex GMT-Master II is one of Rolex’s best-known sports and travel watches. Its additional 24-hour hand and bidirectional bezel with a 24-hour scale allow different time zones to be displayed simultaneously.

The model is also famous for its two-colour bezels. Combinations such as red and blue, blue and black, green and black or grey and black have acquired widely used nicknames among watch enthusiasts.

At Uhrkultur you will regularly find Rolex GMT-Master II watches from different generations, from current references to discontinued and especially sought-after variants.

What distinguishes the Rolex GMT-Master II?

The GMT-Master was originally developed as a functional travel watch. The later GMT-Master II expanded the concept with an independently adjustable local hour hand, making it particularly convenient to change the local time without losing the reference time.

A separate arrow-tipped hand circles the dial once every 24 hours and indicates time on the bezel scale. Current GMT-Master II models have a 40 millimetre case and belong to the Rolex Professional family.

What do Pepsi, Batman, Batgirl and Sprite mean?

These names are informal nicknames rather than official Rolex model names. “Pepsi” usually refers to a GMT-Master or GMT-Master II with a red-and-blue bezel, particularly the modern reference 126710BLRO.

“Batman” commonly describes the blue-and-black GMT-Master II, including references 116710BLNR and 126710BLNR. The name “Batgirl” is often used in the market for a modern blue-and-black version on a Jubilee bracelet. It is not a separate Rolex model.

“Sprite” refers to reference 126720VTNR with a green-and-black bezel, crown on the left side and date window at 9 o’clock. It is available with either an Oyster or a Jubilee bracelet.

Which current references are especially well known?

Well-known modern references include 126710BLRO, 126710BLNR, 126710GRNR, 126720VTNR, 126711CHNR, 126713GRNR, 126715CHNR and 126718GRNR.

There are further versions in Oystersteel, gold and combinations of steel and gold. Reference, material, bezel colour, bracelet and year can make substantial differences, so the model name alone is not sufficient for an exact comparison.

What do BLRO, BLNR, GRNR, VTNR and CHNR mean?

The letter combinations at the end of many Rolex reference numbers describe colour characteristics and are largely based on French colour names. BLRO indicates blue and red, BLNR blue and black, GRNR grey and black, VTNR green and black, and CHNR brown and black.

These codes are particularly useful because they distinguish watches that otherwise share much of the same reference family.

Pepsi or Batman – what is the difference?

The current stainless-steel Pepsi is reference 126710BLRO, while the blue-and-black model is reference 126710BLNR. Technically, the modern steel models are closely related. The most visible difference is the colour of the two-tone Cerachrom bezel.

The red-and-blue Pepsi has a strong historical connection with the original GMT-Master. The black-and-blue Batman or Batgirl often appears slightly more restrained. The preferred version is largely a matter of personal taste.

Oyster or Jubilee bracelet?

The three-link Oyster bracelet emphasises the sporting character of the GMT-Master II. The five-link Jubilee bracelet has a finer and more classic appearance. Rolex offers certain GMT-Master II references with both bracelet options.

Two watches with the same bezel colour can therefore look noticeably different on the wrist. Neither bracelet is universally better; the choice depends on preferred design and wearing experience.

GMT-Master and GMT-Master II – what is the difference?

On the original GMT-Master, the conventional hour hand and the 24-hour hand are linked. The GMT-Master II has an independently adjustable local hour hand. When travelling, the local time can therefore be changed without affecting the reference time.

Earlier GMT-Master watches have their own importance for collectors and should not simply be regarded as a technical predecessor to the GMT-Master II.

Which older references are well known?

Important earlier GMT-Master II references include 16760, 16710, 116710LN and 116710BLNR. Reference 16710 was produced with different bezel inserts, while the discontinued 116710LN has a completely black ceramic bezel. The 116710BLNR introduced the blue-and-black ceramic combination.

Discontinued references can be attractive to buyers looking for a specific generation or a configuration no longer available in the current collection.

What is the difference between 116710BLNR and 126710BLNR?

The 116710BLNR is the earlier, discontinued generation of the blue-and-black GMT-Master II. The newer 126710BLNR uses Rolex calibre 3285 and includes updated construction details and bracelet options.

The newer watch is not automatically the only interesting choice. The discontinued reference has its own design character and position in the history of the collection.

What is the Rolex GMT-Master II Root Beer?

“Root Beer” is another informal nickname. Today it is most often associated with GMT-Master II models featuring a brown-and-black bezel, particularly reference 126711CHNR in Oystersteel and Everose gold and reference 126715CHNR in Everose gold.

The combination of brown, black and Everose gold gives these watches a warmer appearance than steel variants such as Pepsi, Batman or Sprite. Because the nickname has also been used for earlier generations, the exact reference should always be stated.

New, unworn or pre-owned – what should you look for?

For a pre-owned GMT-Master II, relevant points include the case, bezel and insert, Oyster or Jubilee bracelet, clasp, crystal, dial, hands, technical function and any previous refinishing.

On older models, original components and the correct combination of reference, dial and bezel can be especially important. Uhrkultur describes the condition and scope of delivery individually in every offer.

How important is a full set?

A full set generally means that important parts of the original delivery are present. Depending on age, these may include the Rolex box, guarantee card or papers, booklets, tags and other accessories.

Completeness is attractive to many buyers, but authenticity, overall condition and the correct configuration are at least as important, particularly for older or rare references.

Buying a GMT-Master II from an independent dealer

Uhrkultur is an independent luxury-watch dealer and not an authorised Rolex retailer. Our selection is based on watches that are actually available or specifically offered rather than on a future manufacturer allocation.

Depending on stock, this allows us to offer current models as well as discontinued references and earlier generations. The watches offered by Uhrkultur are checked for quality and authenticity before sale.