Hands-on: The new Rolex GMT-Master II "Pepsi"
After a month without writing habits, one theme made me revive my taste to share info in form of articles.
Sometimes to better emphasize the importance of a topic, in my opinion, we still need to dedicate time to the art of writing.
It all started with a visit to a place I would never expect to visit and I didn't even know that existed in Lisbon.
The Rolex offices in central Lisbon.
This visit had the objective of discovering the novelties presented at this year Baselworld. Although the GMT-MASTER II is one of the most popular releases amongst the rest of the novelties I entered their offices with the main intention to give a chance to the underrated or not-so-well-known novelties like the Oyster Perpetual or the Tudor Black Bay 58 from Rolex sister brand, Tudor.
Let us be honest...The new GMT MASTER II "Pepsi" is a total attention seeker and eye catcher, a beautiful re-introduction of the Oystersteel GMT-Master last seen with the reference 1675.
If we could define the new GMT-Master II in one phrase it would be "the watch originally design for Pan Am is now seen as a private jet frequent flyer watch"
Although larger and a little bit more bulky, and not in a negative way, this "Pepsi" feels good on the wrist. The combination of the modern-looking two-tone colored cerachrom bezel with the classicism of the jubilee bracelet creates a contrast that makes the watch more versatile and interesting.
The jubilee bracelet, being a bracelet full of detail, adds a new hierarchy to the whole watch, taking the role of one of the main firstly saw characteristics.
We could talk about the Rolex strategy on reviving models previously in precious metals now featuring a steel casing and structure, but I'll leave that for a more specialized article!
In terms of personal experience with the "Pepsi", it's a watch that is even more comfortable than the ones using the Oyster bracelet...yes..I said that!
More links (5 in total) equal more comfort, especially in a watch with 40mm of case diameter.
Time to be a little bit more technic.
The watch relies on the new caliber 3285, that has hour, minutes, seconds, date and 24-hour hand.
Let me remind you that the setting of the hours on the regular hands is done separately from the minutes, Rolex puts it this way "independent rapid-setting of the hour hands".
Apart from the mechanical changes it also features re-designed lugs and sides (justifying the bulkier feeling).
The usage of a satin finishing on the frontal/top areas of the case allows a better understanding of the whole aesthetics of the watch.
Once more creating a nicely ordered hierarchy.
Another aspect that contributes to a better hierarchy, this time speaking about the dial, are the hands. Made from 18 ct white gold with the addition of chromalight, the hands features a polished finish providing a better reading and identification of such position.
On a final note, I would like to thank Carlos Torres and Global Press for the great experience that can be related to how Rolex works and intervenes on the Horlogerie markets.
Best regards to all,
Diogo Costa
