Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 126710BLRO 'Pepsi'
GMT/Travel Watch · Rolex (Independent). Tier: Luxury/Ultra-Premium. Known for extreme reliability and high value retention.
Period: Modern Luxury (2018-present). It represents the 'Super Case' evolution with modern Cerachrom ceramic materials and a revival of the jubilee bracelet on a GMT sports model.
Type
GMT/Travel Watch
Brand
Rolex (Independent). Tier: Luxury/Ultra-Premium. Known for extreme reliability and high value retention.
Movement
Automatic/Self-winding Calibre 3285. Features 70 hours power reserve, Chronergy escapement, Parachrom hairspring, and 31 jewels.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 40mm; Thickness: 12mm; Lug-to-lug: 48mm; Lug width: 20mm. It wears larger than heritage models due to the beefy lug profile.
Description
The Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLRO is arguably the most recognizable travel watch in history. Reviving the iconic red and blue color scheme originally designed for Pan Am pilots in 1954, this modern iteration blends vintage heritage with ceramic technology. Its vibrant bezel and elegant Jubilee bracelet offer a striking visual impact that balances tool-watch utility with luxury jewelry aesthetics.
Key Features
Cerachrom ceramic bicolor bezel, Jubilee bracelet (specifically reintroduced for this reference in 2018), 3285 movement with 70hr reserve, and the 'Swiss Made' coronet logo between 6 o'clock indices.
Dial Description
Glossy black lacquer dial with 18ct white gold applied 'Maxi' indices filled with Chromalight lume. Mercedes hands, red GMT hand, and date aperture at 3 o'clock.
Case Material
Oystersteel (904L stainless steel). Features a combination of high-polish case flanks and satin-brushed lug tops.
Crystal Type
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with Cyclops lens over the date (2.5x magnification). Flat profile with anti-reflective coating on the underside.
Bezel Details
Bidirectional 24-hour rotating bezel with a two-color 'Pepsi' (Blue and Red) Cerachrom ceramic insert. Numerals and graduations are coated in platinum via PVD.
Crown & Pushers
Triplock triple waterproofness system; screw-down crown with Rolex crown logo. Integrated crown guards protect the winding mechanism.
Bracelet or Strap
Stainless steel five-link Jubilee bracelet with an Oysterlock folding safety clasp and 5mm Easylink comfort extension link.
Caseback Details
Solid, hermetically screwed-down caseback with fine fluting for opening with specialized tools. No engravings, consistent with standard Rolex production.
Movement Type
Automatic/Self-winding Calibre 3285. Features 70 hours power reserve, Chronergy escapement, Parachrom hairspring, and 31 jewels.
Water Resistance
100 meters (330 feet). Suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not intended for professional saturation diving.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Manufactured in Geneva and Bienne, Switzerland. In-house movement and case production.
Age Estimate
Circa 2018 to present. The Jubilee bracelet pairing with the ceramic Pepsi bezel identifies this as the 126710 generation.
Cultural Significance
An icon of the aviation era, the GMT-Master II is the definitive travel watch. It remains one of the most 'waitlisted' and sought-after timepieces in contemporary horology.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition. The ceramic bezel is free of chips (virtually scratch-proof); the sapphire crystal appears clear. Moderate surface scratches may be present on the polished center links and clasp.
Value Estimate
MSRP approximately $10,900; Secondary market value typically ranges from $18,000 to $21,000 depending on year and box/papers presence.
Care & Maintenance
Recommended service interval of 10 years. Ensure crown is fully screwed down before water exposure. Regular rinsing in fresh water is advised after saltwater use to prevent grime buildup in Jubilee links.
Similar Watches
Tudor Black Bay GMT (more affordable, vintage aesthetic), Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR 'Batgirl' (Blue/Black bezel), Grand Seiko SBGJ237 (High-beat GMT alternative).
Interesting Facts
The red/blue ceramic bezel was traditionally difficult to manufacture because the colors tend to bleed during the firing process; Rolex spent years perfecting the chemical formula to achieve the sharp color transition.