Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 126710BLRO 'Pepsi'
GMT/Travel Watch · Rolex (Independent/Rolex SA); Top-tier luxury manufacturer with global reputation for durability and value retention.
Period: Modern Luxury (2018-present). It features the 'Super Case' refinement, ceramic bezel insert, and the return of the Jubilee bracelet to the GMT line.
Type
GMT/Travel Watch
Brand
Rolex (Independent/Rolex SA); Top-tier luxury manufacturer with global reputation for durability and value retention.
Movement
Automatic, Rolex Calibre 3285. Features Chronergy escapement, 70-hour power reserve, 28,800 vph, and 31 jewels. Superlative Chronometer certified.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 40mm; Thickness: 12mm; Lug-to-lug: 48mm; Lug width: 20mm. It wears true to size but feels substantial due to the flat caseback.
Description
The 126710BLRO represents the pinnacle of travel watches, resurrecting the iconic blue and red color scheme in high-tech ceramic. Originally designed for Pan Am pilots in the 1950s, this modern iteration blends historical DNA with a sophisticated Jubilee bracelet, making it equally suitable for a business suit or a flight deck.
Key Features
Cerachrom bi-color bezel, Jubilee bracelet (ref. 69200), 'Swiss Made' with coronet logo at 6 o'clock between the markers indicating the 32xx series movement.
Dial Description
Glossy black lacquer dial; applied 18ct white gold hour markers with Chromalight luminescence; 'mercedes' hands; red GMT hand; date window at 3 o'clock.
Case Material
Oystersteel (904L stainless steel); highly corrosion-resistant with a combination of high-polished flanks and satin-brushed lug tops.
Crystal Type
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with Cyclops lens (2.5x magnification) over the date. Double anti-reflective coating on the internal surface.
Bezel Details
Bidirectional rotating bezel with a 24-hour graduated Cerachrom insert in blue and red ceramic ('Pepsi'); recessed numerals coated in platinum via PVD.
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system; protected by integrated crown guards; features the Rolex crown logo with three dots.
Bracelet or Strap
Five-link Jubilee bracelet in Oystersteel; folding Oysterclasp with Easylink 5mm comfort extension link.
Caseback Details
Solid, screw-down fluted caseback in Oystersteel; no engravings, typical of modern Rolex professional models.
Movement Type
Automatic, Rolex Calibre 3285. Features Chronergy escapement, 70-hour power reserve, 28,800 vph, and 31 jewels. Superlative Chronometer certified.
Water Resistance
100 meters (330 feet); suitable for swimming and snorkeling but not intended for professional saturation diving.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made; fully developed and manufactured in-house in Geneva and Bienne, Switzerland.
Age Estimate
Circa 2018-present; specifically likely post-2019 based on the box style and warranty card visible in the background.
Cultural Significance
One of the most recognizable watches in the world; it represents the 'Golden Age' of travel and remains one of the most difficult timepieces to acquire at retail.
Condition Notes
The watch appears in 'Excellent' to 'Mint' condition, presented as a 'Full Set' with original box, green hangtag, and warranty card. No visible scratches on the ceramic or crystal.
Value Estimate
MSRP approx. $10,900. Secondary market value currently ranges between $19,000 - $22,000 depending on year and exact condition.
Care & Maintenance
Recommended service interval of 10 years; 5-year international warranty. Rinse with fresh water after exposure to salt; use a soft microfiber cloth for cleaning.
Similar Watches
Tudor Black Bay GMT (more affordable, aluminum bezel), Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR 'Batman' (blue/black bezel), Grand Seiko SBGE257.
Interesting Facts
Rolex initially claimed a red ceramic bezel was impossible to produce consistently; the colors are achieved through a secret chemical process before the ceramic is fired.