For Baselworld 2018, Rolex has decided to give the people what they want; or at least, what they have been asking for since 2014 – a new GMT-Master II with blue and red ‘Pepsi’ bezel. QP has hands-on pics and prices.

By Chris Hall

This is the flagship launch of Rolex’s year: a new GMT-Master II that finally answers the prayers of everyone who saw Rolex revive the Pepsi colour scheme at Baselworld 2014, rushed towards it, then realised with a heart-sinking feeling that it was only available in white gold. 
Now you can buy the iconic GMT-Master II in steel with the original red and blue bezel combination. But there’s more to this story than that. This watch is only being produced with a “jubilee” bracelet, for one thing.
That lends it a distinguished, sophisticated feel – and also seems lighter on the wrist than the equivalant Oyster bracelet (although Rolex couldn’t confirm that there is a serious weight difference). This is the only Oyster Professional to have a Jubilee bracelet, but it’s not the first GMT to do so – that happened back in 1957, two years after the model debuted.
Should you need a reminder, the GMT-Master dates back to 1955, and was produced by Rolex to meet the growing demands of commercial airline pilots (becoming particularly associated with Pan-Am). It is capable of keeping time in three timezones if you’re clever – one as normal, one with the second hour hand and one w...