In the mid 1950s, Rolex introduced the first GMT-Master watch for Pan Am pilots who wanted to know what time it was back home. The piece touted a sharp, but familiar-looking colour scheme of black, red and blue, promptly earning it the nickname “Pepsi”. Cementing its status was an appearance in a Bond film, on the wrist of a sexy villainess no less. In honour of that original classic, Rolex unveiled their new GMT-Master II Pepsi at Baselworld 2018, continuing the iconic colour scheme while finally offering the design in stainless steel (aka Oystersteel). Watch fans are definitely excited for this one.

This has prevented additional brands (so far) from taking advantage of it, and can be some thing particular that Rolex has. The benefit is obvious once you handle any steel Rolex watch.Given everything Rolex has completed over the decades it should not come as a surprise that they have an internal Research & Development department. However, Rolex takes it well beyond this. Rolex hasn’t one, but several distinct types of extremely well-equipped professional science labs in their respective centers. The purpose of these labs isn’t just to research new watches and things that may go into watches, but also to research more effective and efficient production techniques. 1 way of looking at Rolex is that they are an exceedingly competent and almost obsessively organized manufacturing firm – which just happens to create timepieces.Rolex labs are as diverse as they are amazing. Possibly the most visually interesting is that the chemistry laboratory. Full of beakers and tubes that take fluids and fluids, the chemistry laboratory is filled with highly trained scientists. What’s it largely used for? Well one thing that Rolex stated is that the laboratory is used for developing and exploring lubricants and oils that they utilize in machines during the production process.Rolex includes a room with numerous electron microscopes and a few gasoline spectrometers. They are able to take a very close look in metals and other materials to investigate the effects of machining and manufacturing methods. These large areas are extremely impressive and are utilized seriously on a regular basis to cure or protect against possible problems.

In addition to Oystersteel construction and lineup mainstays like GMT functionality and a bidirectional rotating bezel, the new GMT-Master II will include a five-link “Jubilee” style bracelet. Also featured is a 24-hour Cerachrom insert with red and blue ceramics. This actually marks the first time that Oystersteel, a Jubilee bracelet and a Cerachrom insert with two-colour ceramics appear together on a GMT-Master II.

Powering the watch is calibre 3285 self-winding mechanical movement. Made of nickel phosphorus and thereby impervious to magnetic interference, the movement utilises patented Chronergy escapement to deliver the utmost in reliability. The result is a heritage timepiece oozing with modern efficiency. For just under ten grand USD, it can be all yours.

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