Rolex GMT-Master

The Rolex GMT-Master

The GMT-Master is one of the most iconic watches ever made. It was designed for pilots in the 1950s and has managed to develop tremendous status since its introduction. The instantly recognizable appearance of the GMT-Master has made it enormously popular with collectors and enthusiasts alike. The GMT-Master has a rich history and is known as one of the best-designed watches ever.

The origins of the GMT-Master

The first GMT-Master was introduced in 1954 when Rolex conceived of putting the famous Oyster case to be used for multiple types of watches. In collaboration with Pan Am and its pilots, they came up with the idea of using the bezel as a 24-hour clock allowing you to read a second-time zone using an extra hand.

Developed for pilots 

So the GMT-Master was originally developed for pilots who traveled all over the world and thus were often in two different time zones at the same time in one day. By using the GMT-Master they could easily read the time zone of their home, and also in style. So in 1954, the GMT-Master was groundbreaking and of unparalleled functionality.

Features of the GMT-Master

In addition to its unparalleled functionality, the GMT-Master was also immensely stylish. The GMT-Master has an instantly recognizable appearance by the red and blue color of the bezel and the extra hour hand indicating the extra time zone. However, the GMT-Master has a long history with many special references and different versions of the GMT-Master.

The first GMT-Master 

The first reference of the GMT-Master is the 6542. The GMT-Master ref 6542 can have a watch case of stainless steel and yellow gold. The version with the steel case has a black dial and has the red and blue bezel/lunette known as the ´Pepsi´ and is made of Bakelite. This watch is nicknamed ´Pussy Galore´ because of its appearance in the James Bond film Goldfinger where the watch is worn by a pilot. Because of the romance around the watch, the watch is beloved.

Later versions of the GMT-Master

In the 1960s, the reference 1675 came out and had several improvements. For example, the bakelite bezel was replaced with an aluminum bezel and the case received crown guards for added robustness. This new bezel is made for a easier operation of the GMT function.

The GMT-Master II 

In the 1970s, two-tone GMT-Masters entered the market and the movement received several improvements. In the 1980s, the GMT-Master was renamed GMT-Master II . This is the modern version of the GMT-Master and has also newer features such as a red-blue ceramic bezel. 

Well-known enthusiasts of the GMT-Master

The GMT-Master has been worn by some of the most famous people in the world. President Eisenhower was a fan of the watch, and it is attributed to him that he popularized it. Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, also wore a GMTMaster. The watch has been also worn by many other celebrities, including Bono, Brad Pitt, and Orlando Bloom. So the GMT-Master is one of the most popular models on earth.

The GMT-Master in brief 

The GMT-Master is one of the most iconic watches ever made. It was designed for pilots in the 1950s, and it has been worn by everyone from President Eisenhower to Buzz Aldrin. The GMT-Master is known for its unique two-tone dial, which is divided into 24- hour sections. It also has a rotating bezel that can be used to track a second timezone to track. The GMT-Master is a true classic, and it remains one of the most popular watches in the world.