Shop Pre-Owned Rolex GMT-Master II Watches With Bezel
Looking to buy one of the most popular GMT watches in the world? Bezel has a curated selection of Rolex GMT-Master II variants. Known officially as the Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II, this highly sought-after timepiece was designed for globetrotters and frequent travelers who needed to track time in multiple time zones simultaneously. The Rolex GMT-Master II is also characterized by sleek designs and iconic appearance, making it one of the most recognizable watches in the Rolex catalog.
The Legacy of Rolex GMT-Master II Watches
The Rolex GMT-Master II joined the Rolex catalog in 1982. It was introduced to replace the original GMT-Master timepiece, which means its story began just under three decades earlier, in the 1950s.
In 1954, just one year after the first GMT watch was invented, Rolex partnered with Pan American World Airways to create a watch specifically for the airline’s pilots. Intercontinental air travel was starting to take off around this time, and pilots needed a watch to track time as they traveled across multiple time zones. Hence, the original GMT-Master was created, adding an extra hour hand and a 24-hour rotating bezel to tell the time in a second time zone.
Not only was this watch a great hit among aviation professionals, but it was also perfect for frequent fliers and even non-travelers who needed to tell the time in a different part of the world.
In 1982, Rolex introduced the first GMT-Master II watch (reference 16760). This new watch came with a useful upgrade that allowed for independent adjustment of the extra hour hand, separate from the main hour hand. This simple upgrade enabled the setting of local time without affecting the travel time. It was a revolutionary concept for the GMT watches at the time. This upgrade also introduced the possibility of tracking up to three time zones on one watch instead of just two, like its predecessor. The GMT-Master II remained in production alongside the GMT-Master until the former was discontinued in 1999.
What Does a Rolex GMT-Master II Cost
The Rolex GMT-Master II is a true “tool watch” with a useful complication and an iconic design. It remains the most popular GMT timepiece by any watchmaker, highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for its function and iconic appearance. The collection also has many coveted models with a high potential for value appreciation.
Retail Cost
The official retail cost for a Rolex GMT-Master II model ranges from as low as $12,400 to as high as over $50,000. The Rolex GMT-Master II price variation isn’t surprising, considering the number of models, materials, and color variants available for this collection. Given the popularity of the Rolex GMT-Master II watch, you’ll likely need to join a waitlist with long wait times to obtain this watch at retail.
How Much Does a Pre-Owned Rolex GMT-Master II Cost
The high demand and limited supply of Rolex GMT-Master II watches make buying the watch in the secondary market a faster alternative. This watch also has many vintage models like the “Fat Lady’, and "Coke," which can only be purchased as pre-owned luxury watches.
Prices in the secondary market range from approximately $10,500 for the oldest and most affordable models. More recent GMT-Master II watches in yellow, white, or rose gold casing cost average between $46,000 and $64,000. There are also rare diamond-studded variants, such as the Rolex GMT-Master “SARU,” which are sold at astronomical prices.
Key Features of Rolex GMT-Master II Watches
Multiple Time Zones
The primary distinguishing feature of this tool watch is its ability to display the time in more than one time zone simultaneously, making it the quintessential travel watch. It has a standard 12-hour scale on the dial, and the rotatable bezel is calibrated at a 24-hour scale. This watch also has two-hour hands. The extra hour hand, distinguished by its distinctive arrow tip, circles the dial once every 24 hours.
The 24-hour hand is usually set to the home time zone, while the 12-hour hand can be adjusted independently to the travel time in a new destination. It is also possible to rotate the bezel to track the time in a third time zone if you want. This means the watch can technically be used to track three time zones (home time, travel time, and an alternative time zone), but only displays two times at any given time.
Two-Tone Bezel
The colorful two-tone bezel is one of the most iconic features of the Rolex GMT-Master II. available in different color combinations, the lower half shows the daytime while the upper half shows nighttime. Some of the most popular color choices for this two-tone bezel include the red and blue bezel (Pepsi), red and black (Coke), and the Blue and Black (Batman), among others. While these colorways primarily serve a functional purpose, the splash of color against the polished finish of the Bezel makes GMT-Master II watches instantly recognizable.
Highly Precise Movement
All modern GMT-Master II watches are equipped with a highly sophisticated self-winding movement developed in-house by Rolex. In addition to their dual-time zone functionality, these movements are also known for their exceptional performance in terms of precision and reliability. The most recent movement is the caliber 3285, which comes fitted with an exclusive Parachrom hairspring and patented Chronergy escapement, among other impressive features. The movement delivers a power reserve of up to 70 hours.
Durable Build
The Rolex GMT-Master II is housed in a durable Oyster case, which makes it extra durable. Modern versions of this watch are waterproof to a depth of up to 100 meters (330 feet). Another factor contributing to the GMT-Master II’s durability is its Cerachrom bezel insert, introduced in 2005 to replace aluminum bezel inserts. This high-tech, proprietary material is crafted from a single piece of hard ceramic, making the bezel scratchproof and ensuring that it preserves its vibrant colors for several years.
Popular Rolex GMT-Master II Watches
Rolex offers several aesthetic and material variations for the GMT-Master II, adding to the allure of this watch family. It is available in classic stainless steel, luxurious 18k gold, and two-tone options. The dual-tone bezel further adds to the variations in each model, from the archetypal red and blue “Pepsi” bezel to the equally iconic black and blue option. There’s even a left-handed version of this watch with the crown and signature Cyclops lens on the opposite side. Some of the most notable references are listed below:
Selling Your Rolex GMT-Master II is Easy and Profitable with Bezel
Get true value for your precious timepiece watch when you sell your Rolex GMT-Master II with Bezel. Our reputable online platform brings your timepiece to an audience of ready buyers searching for quality pre-owned watches like yours. Our seamless process ensures that your timepiece is properly appraised and authenticated so it is listed at the right price. Bezel will handle all aspects of the sales process with utmost professionalism.
Turn to Bezel for All of Your Luxury Wristwatch Needs
If you are looking to buy a pre-owned Rolex GMT-Master II timepiece, our state-of-the-art online platform offers a highly curated selection of some of the best Rolex watches, including several variants of the GMT-Master II and several others.
Our catalog includes some of the rarest and hardest-to-find watches in the luxury watch market from some of the most popular brands in the world. We offer an easy-to-use online marketplace where you can shop, search, and filter to find the perfect brand, price, material, case size, or dial color for you. Moreover, you can request a specific model through our special concierge services even if the watch isn’t currently listed on our site.
All watches on Bezel have been fully authenticated and found to be genuine, thanks to our in-house authentication services. This means you won’t have to worry about the quality and condition of any watch you buy from us. As an extra reassurance, we offer a Buyer Protection Policy for all watches on our marketplace. Download the Bezel app for IOS now, or visit our site to shop for the perfect timepiece.
