• Rolex GMT-Master II Grey and Black From Pan Am to Your Wrist
  • Rolex GMT-Master II Grey and Black

    From Pan Am to Your Wrist

    Hourstriker Staff
    Words by: Hourstriker Staff
    April 9, 2024
  • For globetrotters and adventurers, there are few timepieces as coveted as the Rolex GMT-Master II. First introduced in 1955, the watch was designed for Pan Am Airways pilots, who needed a watch that could display the time in two different time zones simultaneously. Over the years, the GMT-Master II has become a symbol of exploration and travel, worn by everyone from astronauts to jetsetters.

    The new Rolex GMT-Master II Grey and Black watch builds on this legacy of innovation, offering a stylish and functional timepiece for the modern world. The watch features a black dial with a green 24-hour hand, which is contrasted by a two-color, grey and black Cerachrom bezel insert. The Cerachrom bezel is a remarkable feat of engineering, made from a ceramic material that is virtually scratch-proof and resistant to fading. The green color of the 24-hour hand picks up on the inscription "GMT-Master II" on the dial, adding a subtle touch of color.

    Courtesy of Rolex
    Courtesy of Rolex


    Rolex enthusiasts will immediately recognize the Oystersteel case, a hallmark of the brand. This high-performance alloy is resistant to corrosion and shocks, making it ideal for watches that are meant to be worn in demanding environments. The screw-down crown and sapphire crystal ensure that the watch is water-resistant to a depth of 100 meters (330 feet).

    One of the most distinctive features of the GMT-Master II is its bidirectional rotatable bezel. The bezel can be turned to align the 24-hour graduation with the desired second time zone. The graduations on the bezel are clear and easy to read, even in low-light conditions.

    The Rolex GMT-Master II Grey and Black is powered by the caliber 3285, a self-winding mechanical movement that is entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. This cutting-edge movement offers a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, so you can be sure that your watch will keep running even if you're away from home for a few days.

    The new GMT-Master II is available with two different bracelet options: the Oyster bracelet and the Jubilee bracelet. The Oyster bracelet is a classic three-piece link bracelet that is both robust and comfortable. The Jubilee bracelet, on the other hand, is a five-piece link bracelet that is known for its supple feel and elegant look.

    Courtesy of Rolex
    Courtesy of Rolex


    The Rolex GMT-Master II Grey and Black boasts the brand's emblematic Oyster case, a cornerstone of Rolex's reputation for durability. Crafted from Oystersteel, a Rolex-developed 904L stainless steel alloy, the case offers exceptional resistance to corrosion. Imagine this - you're spelunking through a damp cave or braving the salty spray of the ocean; the Oystersteel case ensures your watch remains unfazed by such conditions. Beyond resilience, Oystersteel polishes to a gleaming finish that transcends trends, guaranteeing your watch looks sharp anywhere in the world. The screw-down crown and sapphire crystal further fortify the Oyster case, granting the watch water resistance to a depth of 100 meters (330 feet). Whether you're navigating a tropical downpour or snorkeling in a coral reef, the GMT-Master II Grey and Black can handle it.

    A defining characteristic of the GMT-Master II is its bidirectional rotatable bezel. This innovative feature serves a crucial purpose for frequent flyers: tracking a second time zone. The two-colour, grey and black Cerachrom bezel insert on the new GMT-Master II is a remarkable feat of engineering. Crafted from a virtually scratch-proof and fade-resistant ceramic material, the bezel provides a smooth and precise grip, even with gloved hands. The clear, moulded numerals and graduations on the bezel ensure effortless reading of the 24-hour scale, even in low-light conditions. Think about it - you've just landed in a new city at night, disoriented by jet lag. A quick twist of the bezel synchronizes the GMT hand with your home time, providing an instant point of reference.

    Courtesy of Rolex
    Courtesy of Rolex


    A vibrant pop of color graces the GMT-Master II Grey and Black in the form of its green, arrow-tipped 24-hour hand. This hand complements the green "GMT-Master II" inscription on the dial, adding a touch of personality without overwhelming the watch's overall sophisticated aesthetic. But this green hand is more than just a cosmetic detail; it serves a critical function. It circles the dial once every 24 hours, allowing you to track a second time zone in conjunction with the graduated bezel. Imagine yourself coordinating with colleagues across the globe - the green hand keeps you informed of the time in their location, ensuring seamless collaboration.

    The Rolex GMT-Master II Grey and Black is driven by the calibre 3285, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely designed and manufactured by Rolex. This powerhouse within the Oyster case offers a remarkable power reserve of approximately 70 hours. To put that into perspective, if you take your watch off Friday evening and forget to wind it until Monday morning, the calibre 3285 ensures your watch will still be keeping perfect time. This exceptional performance is achieved through a combination of Rolex's cutting-edge technologies, including the blue Parachrom hairspring and the high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers. The Parachrom hairspring is resistant to magnetism, a common environmental factor that can disrupt a watch's accuracy. The Paraflex shock absorbers cushion the movement from shocks and impacts, safeguarding its delicate mechanisms during everyday wear or unforeseen bumps.

    Courtesy of Rolex
    Courtesy of Rolex


    The Rolex GMT-Master II Grey and Black offers wearers a choice between two iconic Oyster bracelets: the Oyster bracelet and the Jubilee bracelet. The Oyster bracelet is a classic three-piece link bracelet renowned for its robustness and comfortable feel. The solid links drape effortlessly over your wrist, providing a secure and confident feel whether you're navigating a crowded marketplace or scaling a mountain peak. The Jubilee bracelet, on the other hand, is a five-piece link bracelet known for its elegant drape and supple feel. Its smaller, more intricate links create a luxurious look, making the watch feel dressier without sacrificing ruggedness. Whether enjoying a gala dinner or exploring cobbled city streets, the Jubilee bracelet adds a touch of refinement to your GMT-Master II experience.

    Both bracelet options feature the Oysterlock folding safety clasp, ensuring the watch stays where it belongs - on your wrist - even in the most active of scenarios. However, Rolex doesn't stop at pure practicality; the Easylink system provides a 5mm comfort extension for those moments when you need a little extra room, like on a sweltering day or after a long flight.

    Low-light situations can be disorienting, and that's especially true when you're in an unfamiliar time zone. Rolex anticipates this with its proprietary Chromalight display. The hands and geometric hour markers are filled with a luminescent material that glows a bright blue in the dark. The Chromalight display's long-lasting glow makes checking your watch, even in pitch-black environments, easy, keeping you on time, wherever your adventures take you.

    Courtesy of Rolex
    Courtesy of Rolex


    The Rolex GMT-Master II Grey and Black isn't just a watch – it embodies precision, durability, and a pioneering spirit. Its history, interwoven with aviation and exploration, lends an undeniable mystique to this extraordinary watch. The newest iteration, with its subtle grey and black bezel and vibrant green accents, offers a captivating contrast between sophistication and practicality.

    Whether you're a seasoned traveler, a watch connoisseur, or someone craving a tool watch that exudes rugged capability and refined taste, the Rolex GMT-Master II Grey and Black warrants your attention. It's a watch designed to elevate your journey, not just tell you the time.
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