The popular GMT-Master II with a blue and black Cerachrom bezel (AKA ‘Batman’ to collectors) is back and Rolex enthusiasts couldn’t be any happier. The ever-so-popular travel watch now comes with refreshing changes, keeping the most admired features intact. Just like Rolex’s 2018 ‘Pepsi’ GMT-Master II, this new release is presented in Oystersteel and fitted with a Jubilee bracelet.
While the case retains a 40mm size, the lugs are slimmer and have been redesigned to fit the jubilee bracelet and give it a more sporty appeal. The light reflections on the case sides and lugs highlight the watch’s overall profile.
With traditional hour, minute and seconds hands, a triangle-tipped 24-hour hand, and a bidirectional rotatable bezel with 24-hour graduated Cerachrom insert, the GMT-Master II 126710 BLNR 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, at 3 o’clock on the dial, is synchronized with the local time. The black dial is fairly similar to the previous model, infused with Chromalight display and blue luminescence.
Technically, the new Rolex GMT Master II has become a whole lot more powerful in 2019. Beating inside the watch is a new generation calibre 3285 movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. Calibre 3285 incorporates the Chronergy escapement patented by Rolex, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic interference. The movement is fitted with an optimized blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive paramagnetic alloy that makes it up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. The blue Parachrom hair – spring is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring its regularity in any position. The oscillator is fitted on the Rolex-designed and -patented high performance Paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movement’s shock resistance. Calibre 3285 is equipped with a self winding module 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.
Finally, the Jubilee bracelet on the new Rolex GMT Master II (‘Batman’) 126710 BLNR is equipped with a Rolex-designed and patented Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening. It also features the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by the brand, which allows the bracelet length to be increased by approximately 5 mm. A concealed attachment system ensures seamless visual continuity between the bracelet and case.