The Rolex GMT-Master II, the Swiss power brand’s iconic travelers’ watch, launched with a new red-and-blue ?Pepsi? bezel and a revamped jubilee bracelet in 2018. Rolex follows up that much-discussed debut with 2019’s version of the GMT-Master II, this one sporting the popular black-and-blue ?Batman? bezel. Here’s what you need to know about the watch, one of Rolex’s highlight pieces from this year’s Baselworld.
The 904L stainless steel case (Rolex refers to the material as “Oystersteel”) measures 40 mm in diameter and is guaranteed waterproof to 100 meters (330 feet) thanks in part to a solid steel, fluted-edge caseback that is hermetically screwed down with a special tool, exclusive to Rolex, that allows watchnakers easy access to the movement. The case, constructed in Rolex’s famous “Oyster” style, also features integrated crown guards flanking the screw-down crown.
The 24-hour bidirectional GMT bezel ? which ardent Rolex fans have nicknamed “Batman” due to its bold, graduated blue-to-black color scheme, has an insert made of Cerachrom, whose moulded, recessed graduations and numerals are coated with platinum in PVD. The ceramics used for the insert are exceptionally resistant to scratches, corrosion, and the effects of ultraviolet rays, which could otherwise dull the vibrant colors over time. The bicolor bezel?s 24-hour scale can be synchronized with the triangle-tipped GMT hand on the dial to...