Today we have one of the hottest watches in the market for review in the GMT-Master II reference 126710BLRO. The watch has a storied history that dates back to 1954 when Pan-Am airlines asked Rolex to make a watch capable of tracking multiple time zones for pilots making transatlantic flights. 65+ years and many references later this watch is a cornerstone in Rolex’s lineup…there is a ton of hype to this watch but does it live up to it?
We are looking at 5 criteria that should provide a comprehensive overview of the watch and aid anyone who is considering adding it to their collection. Use our quick links below to help navigate;
History of the 126710BLRO
The newest iteration of the beloved Pepsi GMT draws inspiration from its predecessors in the storied lineup. There are plenty of references that share DNA with this watch but for simplicity we’ll focus on 4 in particular;
- Reference 1675 (1959 – 1980): The 126710BLRO added the Jubilee bracelet paying homage to the legendary GMT-Master 1675. Check out our review on this watch here.
- Reference 16710 (1989-2007): This was the last “Pepsi” GMT in stainless steel prior to the 126710BLRO hitting the market using an aluminum bezel instead of Cerachom present today.
- Reference 116710LN (2007-2019): The Cerachrom bezel insert appeared for the first time instead of the standard aluminum. The 116710LN featured a stunning monotone 24 hour black bezel. It is believed that the black Cerachom bezel was released first as Rolex was still working on the technology to create a two-tone variant for the Pepsi line.
- Reference 116719BLRO (2014-2018): This reference gave us the modern design and dimensions of the 126710BLRO on an Oyster bracelet. The difference being this watch was only offered in solid white gold costing upwards of $40,000!
Through all of this fine tuning and tweaking Rolex released the 126710BLRO in 2018 and continues to make the watch today. The 126710BLRO is inspired by the past with eye on the future using the top of the line Rolex Oyster steel, blue and red Cerachrom bezel and a brand new 3285 movement powering this watch. This reference is sure to be a classic if not considered one already…3 years later and it remains as difficult (if not more) to get one from an authorized Rolex dealer!
Case & Bracelet
The case itself has the classic Oyster design with a brushed finish on the top of the lugs and polished sides. It is has a slimmer profile and thinner lugs than most of the other Rolex sports models making the case feel refined, elegant and accommodating.
Of course the iconic two tone Pepsi bezel has a rich red and blue color that can change tones depending on how the light hits the watch, it’s a looker for sure and pictures do not do the bezel justice.
The Jubilee bracelet – love it, hate it, it just works on this watch paying tribute to the GMT’s of the past. It hugs the wrist and wears very comfortably offering a surprising amount of sturdiness given its 5 piece design and reputation for rattling on wrist. The bracelet is fastened by the Oyster clasp which appears on all modern sports models, known for being big, over engineered and glorious utilizing a micro adjustment glide lock for easy adjustments on those hot summer days when the wrist swells.
Understanding that this is purely a preference thing, one change that would be welcomed is the removal of the polished center links on the bracelet and clasp. Again, strictly our opinion but the scratches on a polished watch are similar to a teenager going through an awkward stage of puberty, each scratch is like a pimple, very notable and disheartening every time one shows up hoping that nobody notices. Where a brushed finish is similar to a mature individual who has lived a life full of excitement, each scratch sort of like a scar representing a cool story that fades into the fabric of who/what the watch is. Ok, rant over!
Dial
The watch maintains the same text layout as the original GMT-Master released in 1955 with the Rolex logo, crown and Oyster Perpetual text at 12 o’clock followed by the model and chronometer certification at 6’clock. The GMT has large white hour markers surrounded by white gold and filled Cromalite that illumines blue in the dark. Using its classic Rolex handset, with the addition of a red GMT hand really adds an extra pop of color.
A deep black glossy dial acts as the canvas to the watch face, it catches light so well that it could blind someone if maneuvered correctly…all kidding aside the black dial is beautiful and works to contrast the blue and red. All of this can be seen through a scratch resistant sapphire crystal…we would love to see Rolex finally add some anti-reflective coating to their crystals but for now it is what it is and isn’t a big deal.
Movement
Deriving its power from Rolex’s new 3285 movement the GMT-Master II has increased the power reserve on this watch from 48 hours to 70 hours. While 48 hours is more than enough, it’s tough not to enjoy the extra juice this movement provides. There have been plenty of technical improvements poured into this watch movement…let’s face it…it’s a Rolex, its reliability should never be questioned and while it was on the wrist it kept perfect time.
Wearability
After a month of use the 126710BLRO has been a pleasure to wear becoming a true companion. The Jubilee bracelet and Oyster case are comfortable and provide just the right amount of presence on the wrist. The Pepsi could work in pretty much all environments and while everybody has their own style, we feel that casual settings are where this watch thrives. The pop of color from the Pepsi bezel and the mixture of bushed and polished finishing has the sort of flash that might not be appreciated with a nice suit nor slumming around in sweats. Again, everybody has their own unique style so take this point with a grain of salt!
Verdict
The 126710BLRO is like an oxymoron…but in a good way. It’s luxurious yet rugged and dressy yet casual. The watch can function as an everyday wearer, a travel watch or something you bust out for that special occasion. It’s hard to not fall in love with this piece and if you’re in the position to pick one up, don’t think twice! Our rating on this piece is 9.5 thirst quenching Pepsi Cola’s out of 10.
Case: 40mm