Rolex is on fire at the 2023 Watch Fair. There are many great versions of the core of the collection, and GMT-Master II is no exception. This year, we saw two new variants, and both in one of our favorite materials – yellow gold! The Rolesor (two-tone) 126713GRNR and the all-gold 126718GRNR models are here.
Speaking of the GMT-Master II, who doesn’t like a little gold on their Jubilee? Well, I do, and it seems that Rolex has answered the call. If we think back to the Rolex GMT-Master II commercials from the 80s and 90s, commercial pilots were pictured with black jackets and gold details on their wrists, often complimenting Rolex’s two-tone watches. For me, watches like the 16713 with a black dial on a Jubilee strap exude elegance and professionalism, something we all want from our pilots.
First up is the lovely GMT-Master II 126713GRNR. We have the regular 40mm stainless steel GMT, but it now comes with the comfortable Rolesor Jubilee strap. In keeping with the theme, the bezel is made of Cerachrom with 18k yellow gold knurling. Surprisingly – and you’ll find this on both new models – the ceramic is divided into black and gray! Yes, Rolex has another surprise for us! Yes, Rolex has brought us another two-tone bezel. A nickname, anyone?
As you can see, the dial is black with plenty of gold details, such as the hands, the indexes surround and even the model name font at 6 o’clock. A quick look at the strap reveals a lovely gold stripe down the center. In both models, the precise chronometer-certified 3285 automatic movement works with its 70-hour power reserve. Water resistance remains the same at 100 meters. Pricing is set at 16,150 euros.
The second release of the GMT-Master II is the all-gold 1267718GRNR, which is a highlight. Well, it is an expensive stunner! This is the same watch as the new GMT-Master II! This watch is the same as the new Rolesor model, but without the steel found, only the gold. Like the two-tone model, it brings a new two-tone Cerachrom bezel in black and gray.
Calls for a stainless steel model with a black and red “Coke” bezel have once again gone unanswered, and the supposed leak of a right-handed “Sprite” is in fact wrong. Instead, we have a nod toward the more luxurious side of the GMT-Master II. Frankly, I like these, and for whatever reason, I’ve come to really like the GMT-Master II’s Jubilee strap. It’s much more comfortable for me due to the smaller links, and I’ve grown to like the look of it. Yes, I’d love to see a real brown dial GMT again, but these are some lovely additions.