As everyone is now aware Basel watch and jewellery fair sets the stage for Rolex Watch Company to unveil its new creations each year. 2013 was no exception. Having hinted in the past that a two colour ceramic bezel may be possible, watch aficionados the world over were poised and ready. The two tone bezel was unveiled on the new –look GMT Master II.
Originally introduced by Rolex in the mid 1950’s for pilots travelling among multiple time zones the GMT was originally produced with a red/blue bezel. The GMT-Master II, unveiled in 2005, has proven to be an invaluable accompaniment to the global traveller; featuring a fully rotatable bezel and separate 24 hour hand the Rolex GMT-Master II allows the traveller to read three different time zones – two simultaneously.
Although produced with professional in mind the Rolex GMT Master II has grown to be one of the best sellers from the Rolex collection. Versatile, practical and always great-looking, this watch has the appeal and credentials to suit every lifestyle.
This new look for 2013, however, is purely aesthetic. The watch still utilises the same 3186 movement as the 2005 model with the blue Parachrom hairspring, has the same 40mm case size and the same solid 904L steel bracelet. The differences are the blue/black bezel; a blue 24 hour hand; and a Chromalight lume on the dial markers and hands.
This new and patented, I might add, Cerachrom bezel is the first of its kind produced in two colours. Cerachrom was first introduced by Rolex in 2005 in all black with the idea of producing a two-colour bezel being announced as practically impossible. However, at this year’s Baselworld Fair Rolex unveiled the method behind this ingenious new design; it seems the bezel starts off all blue and while still porous the black colouring is added, producing a one-piece bezel that because of its complicated procedures has been patented by the Swiss brand.
That isn’t it for the bezel though! The numerals in this two-tone bezel are actually coated in a thin layer of platinum via a PVD process. It has a diamond-polished surface and the Cerachrom is highly corrosion resistant and its colour is unaffected by ultraviolet rays.
The bracelet reference 78200 is the classic Oyster made of 904L steel with the polished centre link. It also comes with the Easy Link 5mm comfort extension clasp.
We expect this piece to be in store in the next month but I am sure it won’t be here for long as we already have a waiting list!
For more information and for prices and availability please contact our personal shopper; or, Rodney Banks Lyon himself.
To view the other new releases from Rolex please see our blog.