Rolex White Gold GMT Master II 116719BLRO

Rolex White Gold GMT Master II 116719BLRO (“Pepsi”) 40mm white gold case automatic movement, with blue and red bidirectional ceramic rotating bezel, with silver Arabic numerals. Black dial with luminescent hour markers, and a date window at the 3 o’clock position. White gold oyster bracelet with folding clasp. Box and Papers Dated December 2014.

(Replacement cost £39,700)

The Rolex GMT-Master, introduced in 1955, was designed in collaboration with Pan American World Airways. It was initially created for pilots to track multiple time zones during long-haul flights. The watch’s signature feature was the 24-hour rotating bezel, allowing travelers to simultaneously track their home and destination times.

The original reference 6542 featured a Bakelite bezel insert, but due to fragility, Rolex soon introduced the aluminum insert. The GMT-Master gained further recognition when it became the watch of choice for astronauts during the Gemini and Apollo space programs.

In 1983, the GMT-Master II was introduced, featuring an independently adjustable 24-hour hand, enabling travellers to track a third time zone. Throughout its history, the GMT-Master line expanded with various materials, colours, and bezel options, becoming an iconic symbol of world travel and adventure, favoured by professionals and enthusiasts alike.