REVIEW: Rolex GMT Master II Root Beer Ref 126715CHNR

 

The Rolex GMT- Master made its debut in 1954 when Pan-Am Airways said they needed a watch for its pilots that could display more than one time zone at the same time. Rolex’s solution was the introduction of a fourth hand to the dial, which pointed to a 24-hour scale shown on a rotating bezel. Distinguishing the watch was its two-tone colour scheme; blue and red (initially), representing day and night. It’s still the pilot’s watch of choice and one of the most covetable of the collection (and perhaps the most contentious) is the Rolex GMT Master II Root Beer Everose ref 126715CHNR…

 

 

Rose gold (or Pantone 20-0094) is fashion’s hue du jour, with designers including Isabel Marant and Christian Dior working the colour into their collections. Even Lady Gaga, always a couple of seasons ahead of the rest of us style-wise, has gone and dyed her hair rose gold.

 

Rolex got there first, though, two years ago. 

 

 

The Rolex GMT-Master II Ref 126711CHNR Root Beer is a rose gold beauty – or abomination, depending on what side of the fence you find most comfortable, colour-combo wise. We love a good horology debate, and this one is a doozy. 

 

 

Rolex is always one of the most important brands in the Baselworld fair, but when they presented two new versions of its iconic product group GMT Master II, featuring the brand’s patented 18K pink gold alloy Everose two years ago, there was a minuscule pause before the applause. Some of the old guard were a little thrown by the watch’s aesthetic, some describing it as ‘outlandish’; others felt it was neither beautiful nor different enough to ‘fall in love with’ and that it was ‘too feminine for a family like GMT-Master II.’

 

 

A friend of ChronoHunter (we can’t name him for security reasons) was with the SAS for over 15 years; is built a bit like a rhino and not particularly feminine. He is currently working as a military consultant for TV, with ongoing security projects across the globe. He is a Rolex devotee and aficionado and loves his watches ‘possibly more than my wife’. A diver, his Submariner (team vintage) is his pride and joy, as it was passed down to him by his marine father. The Daytona is his latest investment and the next Rolex? He hasn’t decided yet, but chances are ‘it could well be the Rolex GMT Master II Everose’. 

 

 

‘I’m constantly crisscrossing the globe, so it makes sense as a practical timepiece. I like the Easylink rapid extension bracelet, which is important for me, as I need something that fits perfectly, wherever I am in the world, and whatever I’m doing. I don’t have a problem with the pink. I’m told it suits my skin tone, so for me, that’s just another plus.

 

 

There’s something very satisfying about shooting the cuffs of a well-tailored shirt to reveal a beautiful watch. The Rolex GMT Master II Root Beer Everose – a timepiece guaranteed to make an impression #realmenwearpink

 

What you need to know about the Rolex GMT Master II Root Beer Everose 

 

 

Case

 

The Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master’s Oyster case provides ‘exemplary shock-resistance and waterproofness’. Made from the finest 18 carat rose gold, the case’s diameter measures 40mm and is water-resistant to 10 ATM.

 

 

Dial

 

The watch is equipped with a 24-hour graduated two-colour Cerachrom insert in black and brown ceramic. On the dial itself, the GMT-Master II inscription is in a powdered rose. The Chromalight hands and hour and hour markers are easy to read in minimal light, thanks to their long-lasting luminescence. 

 

 

Bracelet

 

The 18 carat rose gold bracelet boasts Rolex’s patented Easylink rapid extension system, which allows the wearer to increase the bracelet length by 5mm, providing additional comfort. The watch is also fitted with an Oysterlock safety clasp, preventing accidental opening. The concealed attachment system ensures a smooth seamless aesthetic between the bracelet and case. 

 

 

Lugs

 

The watch’s lug holes are expertly concealed on the inside of the lugs for a more refined, elegant silhouette. Sporty types tend to like their lugs fully on display, but this sleek yet sporty timepiece may change their minds.

 

 

Bezel

 

The watch’s arrow-tipped hand circles the dial once every 24 hours and comes with an additional, bidirectional rotatable 24-hour graduated bezel. The 24-hour hand is ‘home’ and the traveller’s local time is set by ‘jumping’ from hour to hour with the very clever winding crown. The hour hand can be adjusted forwards or backwards independently of the minute and seconds hands, allowing travellers to adapt to their new time zone without affecting the precision of their timekeeping. This is the first time Rolex has produced this colour combination with its patented ceramic material.

 

 

 

Movement

Developed and manufactured in-house by Rolex, the watch has a Parachrom hairspring, providing resistance to shocks and temperature variations. It also has a Chronergy escapement, offering a power reserve of 70 hours. Like all Rolex Perpetual movements, the watch is certified as a chronometer by COSC and undergoes further testing by Rolex after casing.

 

 

 

Demand

 

The watch is in high demand, and many retailers have had to put potential buyers on waiting lists. If you’re feeling impatient, and don’t want to wait a year or more for your new timepiece, Chrono Hunter is your best bet. High demand, waiting list scenario although not one of the longest perhaps a few years if purchased directly from Rolex, Chrono Hunter can get these watches now from our network of reputable luxury watch retailers. 

 

 

Price

 

At time of writing, the current market price is between £29-36,000. Issues such as condition, location and sometimes the whims of the seller can affect the price. Regardless, Chrono Hunter will endeavour to find the best option available for any client looking to purchase or sell a GMT Master ii 126715CHNR.

 

 

Other watches you may be interested in: 

ROLEX SEA-DWELLER DEEPSEA 126660-0002 JAMES CAMERON

AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK WHITE DIAL 15400ST

 

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