Rolex GMT-Master Two-Tone

Why We Love It

The Rolesor (Rolex-speak for Two-Tone) GMT line was introduced in the 1970s and provided a fresh new look to the collection. The combination of steel and gold perfectly encapsulated the preppy stye that prevailed in that period. Moreover, this shifted Rolex into the luxury sphere, which established an upward sales trend that infused much needed life into the manufacture. These models were offered with both black and a variety of different brown “Root Beer” dials and bezels that give the watch a sleek appearance that’s magnified by the flashes of gold from the bezel assembly, crown, and bracelet. While Two-Tone GMTs offer a little more flash than their steel counterparts, they have the same great case proportions and functionality, and have been rapidly appreciating in the collector market.

With its yellow gold flourishes on the bezel, dial, and jubilee bracelet, this is simply a watch that harkens to a time and place. Think Studio 54, the Mercedes 560SL, and the glamour of the 1980s. At the same time, with new releases from major brands in two-tone, it has also never felt more contemporary. This example has a beautiful case, and what is known as a 'Maxi' dial for its large luminous plots (which have all aged beautifully if we do say so ourselves). 

Slightly dressier than an all steel model, this won't make it look out-of-place when worn with a suit. Sophisticated yet sporty, it’s the perfect compromise between casual and formal, at home on the bracelet or on a nylon strap. Yet always with that glamour of the decades past.

The GMT-Master Story

The years following the end of The Second World War saw the world become a much, much smaller place.

Advances in aviation technology led to the world’s first nonstop Transatlantic passenger flights between Europe and North America, and the era of the jetsetter began. Along with this new age of travel arose a need for travelers, and more importantly pilots, to have a wristwatch that could display two time zones at once.

As a pioneer of transatlantic and transcontinental flight, Pan American Airlines approached Rolex in 1953 looking for a watch specially designed for their pilots, and Rolex agreed to take on the project. The newly designed Submariner became the base for this new watch, and several important complications were added. A date function with a cyclops lens magnifier, GMT complication, and two-colored bezel to provide long-haul pilots with the info they needed as they circumnavigated the globe.

The GMT-Master’s 24-hour hand works in conjunction with a rotating bezel to make tracking a second time zone incredibly simple. When the wearer rotates the bezel so that the numbers around the bezel correspond to a second time zone (such as Greenwich Mean Time, the inspiration for the model’s nomenclature), it allows the watch to track any two time zones in the world at once.

Not long after the debut of the GMT-Master at the Basel World Fair in 1954, Pan-Am adopted the GMT Master as its official wristwatch. Decades later, the GMT-Master and its “Pepsi” bezel has become a true icon of the watch world. It is instantly recognizable and eternally stylish – the very best of what Rolex has to offer.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.