The Rolex GMT-Master II is a truly successful collection. Since the mid-1950s, the pilot's watch from the Geneva-based manufacturer has impressed with its performance, functionality, and a legendary design that gives it character. This article focuses on a specific GMT-Master II model, the Rolex Pepsi with a blue and red bezel. We take a look at the history of this special timepiece, present it in detail, and offer practical purchasing tips for anyone who would like to own one themselves.

The most important things in brief

These aspects of the Rolex Pepsi are discussed in more detail below:

• History: The very first Rolex Pepsi was developed in 1954 for the airline Pan American Airways. In the following decades, several more references were released, including the 1675, 16750, and 16700. The latest Pepsi version bears the reference number 126710BLRO and has been produced since 2018.

• Design: The most distinctive feature of the GMT-Master II Pepsi is its blue and red ceramic bezel. It is housed in a robust Oyster steel case, which transitions to a Jubilee bracelet.

• Technical features: The Pepsi is powered by the chronometer-certified automatic manufacture caliber 3285 with a 70-hour power reserve. This precise movement enables a date display and a second time zone.

The History of the Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi

The birth of the Rolex GMT watch, now nicknamed the Pepsi, dates back to 1954. That year, the first GMT-Master (Reference 6542) with a red and blue index ring appeared, initially nicknamed Pussy Galore by collectors and fans. Rumor has it that Rolex chose this striking color combination to visually match the watch to the US airline Pan American Airways, as the Rolex model with a dual time zone was originally produced for their pilots.

The Rolex Pepsi quickly became a sought-after luxury model, attracting interest beyond just pilots. The references (1675, 16750, and 16700) released in the following decades were all well-received. However, with Rolex's switch to ceramic bezel material in 2007, things initially quieted down somewhat for the Pepsi. The reason: bright colors could not be reproduced due to the high-temperature sintering process.

The solution to this problem was finally the patented Cerachrom bezel, introduced in 2014. This innovative ceramic bezel material enabled Rolex to revive the Pepsi, which celebrated a successful comeback with the white gold reference 116719BLRO. The last new addition to the Pepsi timepiece line to date saw the light of day in 2018 under the reference number 126710BLRO, and we can only wait and see if and when Rolex will give us the next "new" red and blue GMT watch.

Variants: Rolex Pepsi References at a Glance

The following table shows the Rolex GMT-Master II variants with blue-red bezel that have been released over the years:

The information on the Rolex Pepsi mentioned in the rest of this article refers to the steel watch with the reference 126710BLRO, which was announced at Baselworld 2018 and is one of the most popular GMT-Master II models of all time.

Materials and design: Cerachrom, stainless steel and a striking color scheme

Rolex is renowned worldwide for crafting timepieces from the finest, meticulously crafted raw materials and has pioneered several innovative material developments in the past. The Rolex Pepsi, available since 2018, is made from these components:

Case and bracelet

The case and crown of the luxury watch are made of stainless steel, specifically Oyster Steel. This is the name Rolex uses for its special steel alloy. Oyster Steel belongs to the group of 904L stainless steels, which are sometimes used in the aerospace industry. Accordingly, the case material is extremely robust, corrosion-resistant, and durable.

Just like the watch case, the bracelet of the reference 126710BLRO is made of Oyster steel. In this case, the steel is crafted into fine links that connect in five rows to form an elegant Jubilee bracelet. The bracelet can be easily extended by 5 millimeters using the Easylink system and is equipped with an Oysterlock safety folding clasp.

bezel

The bezel is the part of the Rolex Pepsi that makes the watch instantly recognizable, even to absolute novices. While the colors have remained the same from 1954 to the present day, there have been changes in terms of material. The modern Pepsi models released after 2005 feature a ceramic bezel instead of the previously used aluminum inlay with a steel frame.

The ceramic bezel material developed and patented by Rolex is called Cerachrom and is used today for the bezels of all GMT-Master II models. But what makes this high-tech ceramic so special? The uniqueness lies in the properties of the ceramic material, which make it the optimal choice for the production of two-tone bezels from a single cast. Cerachrom is...

• hard

• scratch-resistant

• corrosion-resistant

• can be colored with pigments

• UV-resistant

• polishable

Indices and pointers

On the black, sapphire-covered dial of the Rolex Pepsi, large circles, triangles, and rectangles are arranged to form easily legible indices. Legibility is further enhanced by the luminous Chromalight coating, which is also found on the hands.

Movement and functions: The uncompromising functionality of the GMT-Master II

What movement powers the Rolex Pepsi? Beneath the stainless steel case is the in-house caliber 3285. This is a chronometer-certified automatic caliber with a 70-hour power reserve and is extremely precise, with a maximum deviation of 2 seconds per day.

In terms of functionality, the Rolex Pepsi clearly focuses on the second time zone. It also features a 24-hour scale and a date display at the 3 o'clock position. A stop-seconds mechanism ensures the timepiece can be precisely set to two time zones.

3 tips for buying the Rolex GMT-Master II blue-red

A high-quality Rolex luxury watch with two time zones, a chronometer-certified automatic movement, and an iconic design—who wouldn't want to own such a gem? These tips should be heeded when purchasing:

Buy from established dealers

Counterfeits of highly sought-after, high-priced watches, which the Rolex Pepsi in every version clearly belongs to, are constantly circulating. This is one of the reasons why it makes more than sense to buy from an established, reputable dealer. They will check the models for authenticity, so you can be sure you're purchasing an original from the Geneva manufacturer.

At HORANDO, every single luxury watch undergoes an authenticity and quality check before it goes on sale. All Vintage Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) models in the HORANDO range are thus certified authentic and can be purchased with complete peace of mind.

Assess condition and scope of delivery

Terms like "as new," "used," or "light signs of wear" are vague and often don't reveal much about a watch's actual condition. Therefore, we recommend taking a close look at the pictures of your favorite GMT-Master II, magnifying them if possible, to realistically assess the timepiece's condition.

It's also worth taking a close look at the scope of delivery. Ideally, you'll purchase the Rolex Pepsi including the original box and all important documents and papers.

Compare prices and value for money

A coveted Rolex reference like the Pepsi comes at a price, and offers significantly below the usual market price can be a sign of a fake. However, within realistic limits, it still makes sense to compare prices. Important: Pay attention not only to the selling price, but also to the details of what you're getting for it.

For example, a blue-red Rolex with obvious signs of wear and without original accessories will cost less than the same reference in mint condition with a full range of accessories. Likewise, an untested model that may require maintenance will be cheaper than a Rolex that has been professionally authenticated and serviced. Therefore, a price comparison alone, without considering the details, is only partially meaningful.

Root Beer, Coke, Batman and Co.: Other Rolex GMT-Master II models and their nicknames

In addition to the Rolex Pepsi, the GMT-Master II collection includes these other models with catchy nicknames:

• Root Beer: Watch in Oyster Steel or Oyster Steel and Everose Gold, bezel in brown and gold or brown and black (models from 2018), dial in brown or black

• Coke / Fat Lady: Version with thicker watch case, black-red bezel, black dial

• Batman: Reference 116710BLNR, black and blue bezel, manufacture caliber 3186

• Batgirl: Reference 126710BLNR, black and blue bezel, manufacture caliber 3285

• Sprite: "Lefty" version with date on the left opposite the crown, black dial, black-green bezel

• Bruce Wayne: Variant with black-grey bezel, black dial

• Blueberry: Rarity with a completely blue bezel (Reference 1675)

By the way, you'll always find various GMT-Master II models in the HORANDO range . If you don't see the version you're looking for, we'll be happy to find it for you. Simply use our Watchfinder Service .

Conclusion: Rolex Pepsi - The blue and red icon of the GMT collection

The GMT-Master II with its red and blue bezel has a lot to offer. For example, the powerful, chronometer-certified in-house caliber, the famous two-tone design, and the high-quality craftsmanship that permeates everything from the dial to the bezel and lugs, right up to the elegant Jubilee bracelet. Last but not least, the high demand for the Rolex Pepsi is also explained by its rich history. After all, the first of the Pepsi variants in 1954 launched the Rolex GMT-Master II product line, which remains a core part of the brand's product range to this day.

FAQ

Why is the Rolex GMT-Master II with red and blue bezel nicknamed Pepsi?

The nickname Pepsi refers to the colors of the bezel, which evoke memories of the logo of the soft drink of the same name.

What other nicknames are there for Rolex watches?

The GMT-Master II watch collection includes references nicknamed Fat Lady/Coke, Sprite, Root Beer, and Batman. However, timepieces from other product lines have also received nicknames, such as the "Paul Newman" Daytona, the "Hulk" Submariner, the "Roulette" Datejust, and the "Polar" Explorer.

When was the Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi released?

The Geneva watch manufacturer released the first Rolex Pepsi – then called Pussy Galore – in 1954.

What features and functions does the Rolex Pepsi have?

These are the most important features of the Rolex Pepsi:

• Watch case, crown and strap made of white gold or stainless steel

• Date

• Second second zone

• Luminescent indices and hands

• Ceramic bezel in red and blue

• Chronometer-certified automatic manufacture caliber

• Jubilee Band