First Look: Rolex’s GMT-Grasp II Units The Tone With New Yellow Gold And Two-Tone Choices

Early seems at Rolex’s lineup from 2023’s Watches & Wonders occasion revealed two new grey/black bezel variants of the GMT-Grasp II in yellow gold and two-tone. The mix—particularly the all-gold reference—is stunning for its mixing of grey and gold coloration. It’s an unusual pairing of hues that builds on 2022’s destro model of the GMT-Grasp II, including proof that Rolex sees the road as a spot for experimentation. Held up in opposition to Rolex’s different releases for 2023, it’s definitely one of many extra probing items exterior of the Day-Date line.

The brand new two-tone model (“Rolesor”, because the model calls it) joins the present lineup as the one present metal/gold providing on Rolex’s jubilee bracelet, giving it further clout as a neo-vintage piece that can seemingly appeal to collectors, though that’s not saying a lot even in immediately’s softened Rolex market. Inside minutes of images showing on social media, followers dubbed the brand new Cerachrom bezel variant the “Guinness”, a becoming moniker that joins the “Pepsi”, “Coke”, “Root Beer”, and different beverage-themed GMT nicknames.

Taking inventory of the present state of the GMT-Grasp II lineup, it was definitely an Oystersteel world earlier than immediately. Simply two of the ten references had been clearly gold, whereas two extra variants featured full white-gold building, making them mix in with the remainder of the steely assortment. By including yellow gold to the combination, Rolex introduces not only a new coloration to the GMT-Grasp II household, however one that’s brilliant and distinct from the extra understated Everose variations. To be clear, the 2023 releases within the GMT-Grasp II line don’t characterize an overhaul of the gathering. Dimensions from the 40mm case to the 3285 Manufacture Rolex motion stay the identical, as do the legible particulars of the dial, typeface, and bracelet. Nonetheless, due to Rolex’s distinctive world demand, mixed with the GMT-Grasp II’s place within the model catalog as a flagship mannequin, including extra gold to the combination is attention-grabbing. Particularly with the two-tone mannequin, it indicators a level of staying-power for what may in any other case have been a fading development. Prefer it or not, Rolex has been a horological tastemaker for many years and lending the credence of the GMT-Grasp II to yellow gold will make sure the current “gold revival” is right here to remain no less than some time longer. The brand new GMT-Grasp II variants are priced at $16,450 and $38,900 USD, respectively, for the two-tone and full gold variants. Be taught extra at Rolex’s web site.

Specs:

Model: Rolex

Mannequin: GMT-Grasp II

Dimensions: 40mm diameter

Water Resistance: 100 meters

Case Materials: Oystersteel and yellow gold (ref: M126713GRNR-0001), yellow gold (ref: M126718GRNR-0001)

Crystal/Lens: Sapphire

Motion: 3285, Manufacture Rolex (GMT, time, and date)

Energy Reserve: 70 hours

Strap/Bracelet: Jubilee, five-piece hyperlinks. Folding Oysterlock security clasp with Easylink 5 mm consolation extension hyperlink.

Worth & Availability: $16,450 (two-tone) and $38,900 USD (full gold)