All The Current Bezel Colorways of the Rolex GMT-Master II
One of the defining features of the Rolex GMT-Master II watch is its bezel. Not only does it serve to display the second time zone via its prominent 24-hour scale but it also plays a significant role in the watch’s style – particularly if it is bi-colored. Although Rolex has offered some monochromatic GMT bezels in the past, all GMT-Master II watches in the current lineup come fitted with two-tone bezels. These two-tone bezels have become so famous among certain circles that most of them have their very own nicknames.
The earliest GMT-Master bezels were made from Bakelite but that was quickly replaced with aluminum, which remained the go-to material for decades. However, since 2005, modern GMT-Master II bezels are all crafted from Rolex’s proprietary ceramic alloy called Cerachrom, which promises to be both scratch- and fade-resistant. If you’re curious to know what all the current bezel colorways of the Rolex GMT-Master II are, keep on reading for all the details.
Blue and Red GMT-Master II Bezel a.k.a. The Pepsi
Image Source: Rolex
When Rolex first launched the GMT-Master in the 1950s, it featured a blue and red bezel with white markings, which affectionately became known as the “Pepsi”. The blue and red bezel is the most classic choice, and today it can be found on both stainless steel and white gold models.
Image Source: Rolex
BLRO in the reference stands for “Bleu Rouge,” which is French for “Blue Red.”
Blue and Black GMT-Master II Bezel a.k.a. The Batman or The Batgirl
Image Source: Rolex
The original Cerachrom bezels were all rendered in solid black because Rolex said it would be impossible to create a two-tone ceramic one. However, the company proved itself wrong when it debuted the two-toned blue and black Cerachrom bezel in 2013. This colorway eventually became known as the “Batman” and it remains in the current GMT-Master II collection, exclusive to the steel variant.
- Stainless Steel Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLNR
Brown and Black GMT-Master II Bezel a.k.a. The Root Beer
Image Source: Rolex
In 2018, Rolex introduced a new black and brown Cerachrom bezel to the GMT-Master II collection, paired with never-before-seen Everose gold models. The bezel may have been new but the “Root Beer” nickname was not – that originated in the 1970s, bestowed upon brown and gold aluminum GMT-Master bezels.
The brown and black bezel is found on full Everose gold and two-tone Everose gold and stainless steel references.
Image Source: Rolex
CHNR in the reference stands for “Chocolat Noir,” which is French for “Chocolate (i.e. brown) Black.”
Green and Black GMT-Master II a.k.a. The Sprite
Image Source: Rolex
I think it’s safe to say that we were all pretty surprised when Rolex introduced the left-handed GMT-Master II in 2022. Not only was this the first time Rolex made a Destro watch (where the crown is placed on the left-hand side of the case and intended to be worn on the right wrist) but it was also the first green and black bezel to be released by the company. Following the tradition of most GMT bezels picking up drink-themed nicknames, the green and black one became known as the “Sprite.”
The green and black bezel is exclusive to the stainless steel left-handed GMT-Master II watch, available with either an Oyster bracelet or a Jubilee bracelet.
- Stainless Steel Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 126720VTNR
VTNR in the reference stands for “Vert Noir,” which is French for “Green Black.”
Gray and Black GMT-Master II Bezel a.k.a. The Guinness
Image Source: Rolex
The newest bezel colorway to join the GMT-Master range is the gray and black Cerachrom one, unveiled in 2023 on yellow gold models – a metal that came back after being absent from the Rolex GMT catalog for a few years. Yet again, this is a bezel color combination we haven’t seen before, and the initial reaction has been positive so far. While the jury is still out on a suitable nickname, I’ve heard “Guinness” is the leading contender.
The gray and black bezel is found on full yellow gold and two-tone yellow gold and steel editions.
Image Source: Rolex
GRNR in the reference stands for “Gris Noir,” which is, you guessed it, French for “Gray Black.”
Where’s the Coke Bezel?
Image Source: lunaroyster.com
Fans of Rolex watches know that there’s one famous GMT-Master bezel missing from the current lineup – the black and red “Coke”. The Coke bezel first appeared on the maiden GMT-Master II in the 1980s and it was eventually phased out in the mid-2000s when the brand replaced aluminum bezels with ceramic ones.
We haven’t seen it since but many of us are hoping for a Coke Comeback in the near future!
Do you have a favorite bezel colorway in the current Rolex GMT-Master II collection? Are you team Pepsi, Root Beer, Sprite, Batman, or Guinness? Drop us your thoughts in the comments below.
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