Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLRO Pepsi: Two time zones, one legend
The birth of the Rolex GMT-Master: A watch for pilots and jetsetters
In the 1950s, the world became smaller with the rise of commercial air travel. Crossing continents was no longer an epic journey, but a quick affair. But while flying had taken a big step into the future, wristwatches were lagging behind. While quickly crossing multiple time zones, it was a constant juggle to keep track of both the local time and the destination time - a challenge that was particularly problematic for pilots whose jobs rely on precision.
Pan American World Airways recognized this problem and asked Rolex to develop a watch that could simultaneously display the time of the departure and arrival cities.
Rolex, already known for producing watches that had climbed Mount Everest and swam the English Channel, accepted the challenge. In 1955, the brand introduced the Rolex GMT-Master, and it did not disappoint. The brilliant solution? An additional 24-hour hand that made it possible to read two time zones at the same time. This elegant innovation was a game changer - not just for Pan Am pilots, but also for the emerging class of jet setters who regularly flew across different time zones.
Bearers of the legend: celebrities and their Rolex Pepsi
The GMT-Master soon found itself on the wrists of icons such as Ernesto Che Guevara and Pablo Picasso. With its mix of functionality and style, the GMT-Master quickly became a symbol of sophistication and a sense of adventure.
Even today, the Pepsi is still a sought-after and popular timepiece, worn by many well-known personalities: from Tom Hanks to Sylvester Stallone to Mark Wahlberg and John Mayer - the musician who has worn almost every dream Rolex watch on his wrist.
The further development of the Rolex GMT-Master II: tradition meets modernity
Today, decades later, the Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi remains as desirable as ever, but it has also evolved. The current reference, 126710BLRO, brings the classic design into the present with some cutting-edge upgrades. At the heart of this watch beats the Caliber 3285, a latest generation movement that offers an impressive power reserve of 70 hours - a significant advance over previous models. This mechanical masterpiece ensures increased precision and reliability, ensuring the watch can withstand even the most demanding schedules.
But the refinements don't stop there. The GMT-Master II also features a refined case shape and the iconic Jubilee bracelet that sets it apart from Rolex's other sports watches. The Jubilee bracelet, with its polished center links and unparalleled wearing comfort, gives the watch a touch of elegance without denying its sporty origins.
A hidden highlight: the “magic” UV bezel of the Rolex Pepsi
However, another highlight of the Rolex Pepsi is a hidden feature: when exposed to UV light, the blue part of the iconic bezel seamlessly transforms into red, thanks to a special patented coating. This small but impressive detail shows how Rolex knows how to combine tradition and innovation while keeping the watch timeless and fascinating.
The ultimate watch for frequent flyers and collectors: Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi
Whether you're a frequent flyer, a passionate collector or simply someone who appreciates the perfect combination of function and style, the Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi with its 70-hour power reserve, modern design and hidden UV light Trick remains the ultimate watch for today's global traveler.
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