The simple color scheme is designed to be a classic, not to make headlines in the short term. watches replica for sale
Given its position as a leader in the Swiss watch industry, it’s only natural that Rolex is in the spotlight. As such, everything Rolex does becomes the subject of comment, opinion, and discussion. Every new model, something that only happens once a year, is subject to heated debate. Again, this has to do with its status as an industry giant. When Rolex released the latest version of the GMT-Master II, the black-and-grey 126710GRNR aka Bruce Wayne, earlier this year, commentators were quick to respond; “it’s boring, it’s uninspired, they barely made any changes and the design team called it quits” were some of the comments we heard. Well, I disagree with you.
Context
Since the first release of the watch in 1955, the Rolex GMT-Master has featured bright colors and a two-tone bezel – at least on most models. To distinguish between day and night, the watch’s signature feature is the 24-hour rotating bezel, which has always been available in two different colors, with the classic blue and red combination – aka Pepsi, which Rolex still uses today – as the first theme. Subsequently, it appeared in several variations, such as red and black, brown, blue, brown and gold, blue and black or green and black. However, while Pepsi and Coca-Cola remain the most emblematic color schemes in the minds of watch lovers, the all-black bezel has been present in the collection for many years – you can find it on the 1675, 16750, 16700 and 16710 (all with aluminum bezels) – as well as in a two-tone version. fake watches
Then, in 2005, Rolex decided to update the GMT-Master II and launched a new generation of travel watches. First introduced in yellow gold (116718LN) and then in steel (116710LN) in 2007, the new generation features a reinforced case, modernized features, and a predominantly monochrome all-black Cerachrom bezel. When this ceramic bezel was introduced, Rolex did not yet offer a two-tone option, and the all-black model somehow became the classic version from 2007 to 2019, when it was discontinued.
Meanwhile, Rolex has introduced several two-tone versions of the GMT-Master II, starting with the Batman (116710BLNR) in 2013, followed by the return of the white gold and blue and red Pepsi (116719BLRO) in 2014, the brown and black Root Beer (126715CHNR) in 2018, and the steel Pepsi (126710BLRO) in 2018. In 2019, the all-black version was discontinued, and Rolex announced that from now on, all GMT-Master II watches must be equipped with a two-tone bezel. In 2019, the Batman will be updated (126710BLNR), and in 2022, the brand introduced a new color scheme, green and black (126720VTNR).
Last year, Rolex introduced another gold model, in yellow gold with an understated gray-black ceramic bezel (126713GRNR and 126718GRNR). This classic, understated two-tone bezel is now available in the steel series, with the introduction of the 126710GRNR (GRis-NoiR, or gray-black) earlier this year.
The return of a low-profile steel model
What Rolex has done with this new Rolex GMT-Master II Bruce Wayne, or 126710GRNR, is to offer a replacement for the classic all-black version that was discontinued in 2019, while respecting its claim about the bezel insert, which should be made entirely of two-tone ceramic. This grey-and-black model is therefore a new classic, a core model, the foundational model of the collection… and so is the all-black 116710LN.
In short, this new GRNR is identical on all technical levels to the Batman/Batgirl and Pepsi. It has the same 40mm case, 11.90mm thick, and about 48mm between lugs. It is made of Oystersteel (904L steel), is water-resistant to 100 meters, has a sapphire crystal with AR coating and date display, a screw-down crown, and a screw-down caseback. The main novelty on the outside is the insert, which is made of two-tone grey and black Cerachrom with a PVD platinum 24-hour index.
The dial of the GMT-Master II Bruce Wayne is once again the same as all the other steel versions, with a glossy lacquered black base, 18k white gold applied hour markers and hands, and a Chromalight display, as well as the classic central 24-hour hand for the GMT complication. What’s special about this 126710GRNR (at least compared to the rest of the collection) is the use of green on the GMT-Master II logo and the GMT arrow-shaped hand… This is not a new feature, as it was also used on the lunette noire 116710LN from 2007 to 2019. A return to basics if you like. watch replicas
Mechanically, there are no improvements worth reporting, as this Bruce Wayne edition retains the modern in-house Calibre 3285 found in all other GMT-Master II models. Beating at 4Hz, with a power reserve of 70 hours, it is equipped with all the brand’s current technologies – paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring, balance with variable inertia, Paraflex shock absorber, Chronergy escapement, paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus pallet fork and escape wheel… A refined, robust movement with excellent precision, COSC-certified and certified in-house by Rolex to -2/+2 sec/day. And, as you would expect, it is a true GMT watch (traveler/pilot mechanism).
Rolex offers the Rolex GMT-Master II 126710GRNR with a choice of Jubilee or Oyster steel bracelets, both with Oysterlock folding safety clasp and Easylink comfort extension links. The choice is yours, and there is no bad choice in this case. I would personally go for the Jubilee bracelet, which I find more comfortable and more elegant (or at least less sporty).
Our thoughts on the GMT-MASTER II BRUCE WAYNE
We’ve read many times that this new Rolex 126710GRNR is uninspired or boring, that the design team simply took the grey-black bezel from last year’s Rolesor model, adapted it to a steel watch, and called it a day – well, actually, that’s one way to look at things. But is it boring? In short, no. But let me explore this topic further. For the past 5 years, we’ve only seen steel Rolex GMT-Master II watches with bright two-tone bezels – be it Pepsi, Batman or Sprite. During COVID, Rolex was in the spotlight and its watches were widely circulated on social media, and we’ve become accustomed to seeing these watches with such color themes… 5 years of only two-tone models is an eternity in our modern society. Long enough for watch lovers to get used to the fact that the GMT-Master II should be bright and fairly loud.
However, times are changing. The watch industry situation in 2024 is no longer what it was in 2021, 2022 and 2023. The market is back to more realistic second-hand prices, shorter waiting lists and larger inventories. Different times call for different measures. With this in mind, I would even go so far as to say that the launch of this understated, classic, more timeless version of the GMT-Master II, with a grey-and-black bezel, is just the right time. The timing is good, as we are well aware that when the market is down, potential buyers turn their attention to watches that last, to watches that will not become obsolete too soon. The design team calls it a day…? Well, it sounds to me like the marketing team came up with a good idea. replica luxury watches
Now, let’s refocus on our MONOCHROME team and talk about our thoughts on this new Bruce Wayne Rolex GMT. The result of my discussion with Frank is a clear, irrevocable and final opinion. It goes without saying that this new grey-and-black version is the best steel GMT-Master II currently available. Period.
Why do we think so…? While I can totally understand the appeal of the GMT Pepsi, as it is the signature color of the Rolex GMT, it is also quite loud and instantly recognizable (which, if you read the news, might not be the best choice when walking around certain cities). The Bruce Wayne version is the essence of understatedness. It is understated, quiet, and while still instantly recognizable as a GMT-Master II, it doesn’t draw the same attention. Plus, this almost monochromatic color is very inspiring to us (there’s a reason behind the name of this magazine…)
As the market slows down, it’s always important to refocus on the essentials and focus on watches with a more timeless appeal. We have to remember that most watch enthusiasts have to work hard for months or years to finally get such a watch. It’s a holy grail for them, and therefore, this watch must be durable. Most of them will buy this watch with the intention of wearing it, rather than just keeping it in a safe until the price goes up. A watch purchased in this mood must stand the test of time, and at least in our opinion, the Bruce Wayne model is a good choice.
You call the Rolex GMT-Master II Bruce Wayne 126710GRNR boring…but I call it a great classic missing from your collection.