Rolex is presenting a new version of the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II with a bidirectional rotatable bezel and a two-colour 24-hour graduated Cerachrom insert in blue and black ceramic. This watch, in Oystersteel and fitted with a Jubilee bracelet, echoes the GMT-Master II introduced in 2018, which featured a Cerachrom bezel insert in red and blue ceramic. The light reflections on the case sides and lugs highlight the pro le of the 40 mm Oyster case.

This new version is equipped with calibre 3285, at the forefront of watchmaking technology, first introduced on the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II in 2018.

Like all Rolex watches, the new GMT-Master II carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II
Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II

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. The emblematic single- or two-colour bezel has been made available in a variety of colours and combinations. It is what makes the design unique and instantly recognizable.

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 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.

Baselworld 2019 Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II
Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II

High-technology ceramic

Rolex played a pioneering role in the development of special ceramics for monobloc bezels and monobloc bezel inserts. Not only are these new materials extremely corrosion-resistant and virtually scratchproof, their colours are also of a rare intensity and unaffected by ultraviolet rays. Rolex has developed exclusive expertise and innovative high-technology manufacturing methods that allow it to produce these ceramic components completely independently.

In 2013, the brand’s introduction on a GMT-Master II of a single-piece, two-colour blue and black ceramic bezel was a milestone in the use of ceramics in watchmaking.

On the new version of the GMT-Master II, the bidirectional rotatable bezel is fitted with a two-colour, 24-hour graduated Cerachrom insert, again in blue and black ceramic. The moulded, recessed graduations and numerals are coated with platinum via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition). The bezel can also be turned with ease thanks to its knurled edge, which offers excellent grip.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II Jubilee Bracelet
Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II

The Oyster case, symbol of waterproofness

A paragon of robustness and reliability, the Oyster case of the GMT-Master II is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). Its middle case is crafted from a solid block of particularly corrosion-resistant Oystersteel. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. The winding crown, fitted with the Triplock triple waterproofness system, screws down securely against the case and is protected by an integral crown guard. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and is fitted with a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for easy reading of the date. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimum protection for the GMT-Master II’s high-precision movement.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II Watch Review
Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II

Perpetual calibre 3285

The new version of the GMT-Master II is equipped with calibre 3285, a new-generation movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. A consummate demonstration of technology, at the forefront of the art of watchmaking, this self-winding mechanical movement led to the filing of several patents and offers fundamental gains in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience and reliability.

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 Para ex 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.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II Batman
Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II

Jubilee bracelet and Oysterlock safety clasp

This version of the Rolex GMT-Master II is fitted with a Jubilee bracelet. Supple and comfortable, the five-piece link Jubilee bracelet was specially created for the launch of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust model in 1945.

The Jubilee bracelet on this new version 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.

The New Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II Batman Jubilee
Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II

Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II

Technical specifications:

Case

• Oyster (monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown)

Safety: Integral crown guard

Diameter: 40 mm

Material: Oystersteel

Middle Case: Oystersteel, satin finish with polished sides

Bezel:

·      Oystersteel, bidirectional rotatable

·      24-hour graduated two-colour Cerachrom insert in blue and black ceramic; moulded, recessed numerals and graduations coated with platinum via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition)

Case Back: Solid, screw-down with fine fluting

Winding Crown: Screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system

Crystal:

• Scratch-resistant sapphire

• Cyclops lens over the date with double anti-reflective coating

Waterproofness:100 metres (330 feet)

Movement

• Calibre 3285, Manufacture Rolex

• Mechanical movement with bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor

Precision: −2/+2 sec/day, after casing

Functions:

• Centre hour, minute and seconds hands

• Local time via conventional hands, independent rapid-setting of the hour hand

• Reference time via additional 24-hour hand

• Instantaneous date at 3 o’clock, secure setting via the hour hand

• Stop-seconds for exact time setting

Oscillator:

• Frequency: 28,800 beats/hour (4 Hz)

• Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring

• Rolex overcoil

• Large balance wheel with variable inertia

• High-precision regulating via four gold Microstella nuts

• Traversing balance bridge

• High-performance Para ex shock absorbers

Escapement:

• Chronergy with optimized energy efficiency

• Paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus pallet fork and escape wheel

Jewelling: 31 rubies

Power Reserve: Approximately 70 hours

Dial

• Black lacquer

• Hour markers in 18 ct white gold, highly legible Chromalight (long-lasting luminescence, blue glow)

• Hands in 18 ct white gold, 24-hour hand coated with blue lacquer, highly legible Chromalight (long-lasting luminescence, blue glow)

Bracelet

• Jubilee, five-piece solid links

• Oystersteel, polished centre links, satin-finished outer links with polished edges

• Oysterlock folding safety clasp

• Easylink comfort extension link (approx. 5 mm)

The price for the Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II is CHF 8,800.

For more information visit Rolex Online.