At BaselWorld 2018 Rolex introduced the Rolex GMT-Master II ‘Root Beer’ in Rolesor two-tone and in all Everose gold. This brings back the brown-theme to the GMT-Master II collection, this time paired with Rolex’s proprietary 18kt rose gold alloy that actually matches it amazingly well, as well as a new-generation movement. There is a considerable difference between the Rolesor and the all-gold versions both in terms of looks, style, and price.
Specifications
Brand: Rolex
Model: GMT–Master II Root Beer 126711CHNR (Rolesor) and 126715CHNR (all Everose gold)
Dimensions: 40mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Case Material: Rolesor two-tone combination of Everose gold and Oystersteel, or solid Everose gold
Crystal/Lens: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, Cyclops lens over the date
Movement: 3285 Manufacture Rolex
Frequency: 4Hz
Power Reserve: 70 hours
Strap/Bracelet: Oyster bracelet with Oysterlock safety clasp and Easylink 5mm comfort extension
Price & Availability: 13,400 CHF for Rolesor and 35,000 CHF for the all-Everose gold model
Analysis
While there certainly are fans of the vintage GMT-Master “Root Beer” around, these new models I believe will require interested Rolex customers seeing them hands-on in the boutiques. We saw them live already (hands-on coming up soon) and they do look different than in images. As with all rose gold watches (Rolex’s Everose models included) the way the red-pink colored gold works with one’s skin will be a defining factor for how the watch actually looks and wears. The new generation movement is a welcome development, now with a 70-hour power reserve and a host of 10 patented solutions. Details to come in the hands-on article very soon.
Among the ironies of Rolex is the pieces most popular to see fans are not the pieces that Rolex sells the most of. Request a “watch man” what the greatest Rolex watch is and many people will point to something in the “Oyster Professional” collection, such as a Submariner or even GMT-Master (among others). Request Rolex where a lot of their earnings comes from, and they’ll tell you something completely different. From a company perspective, Rolex will reveal that Datejusts, notably women’s models with diamonds, are the most popular products in their collection.So yes, watch lovers and “the public” have different watch tastes. That is something I’ve known for a long time, and possibly something that I will explore more in the future. Having said that, brands like Rolex, Omega, and TAG Heuer – that don’t strictly survive on earnings from watch fans – yet continue to offer a large range of watches which greatly appeal to people. And when there’s 1 watch I can think of this equally appeals to the watch lover as well as also the general public, it is the famous Rolex Submariner.Last year that I wrote an overview of this Rolex Submariner Clasp Replica watch here. That review was actually for the Rolex Submariner ref. 114060 (the version in this article) in addition to the ref. 116610. What’s the difference between both of these models? The date. The ref 116610 is known as the Submariner Date, but since it is the more popular of both models, frequently it is just known as the Submariner, although the ref.
Summary
The Pepsi (details here) is perhaps stealing the show a bit, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Root Beer be a strong option for many – especially since it is still competitively priced in two-tone and, as Rolesor models in general, is likely to be more readily available than the Pepsi. Price for Rolex GMT-Master II Root Beer is 13,400 CHF for Rolesor and 35,000 CHF for the all-Everose gold model.
Stay tuned for our hands-on article coming very, very soon and check our YouTube channel for a hands-on look at all Rolex BaselWorld 2018 novelties. rolex.com