High technology!BASELWORLD 2014: New version of the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II
Rolex presents a world first with its new version of the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II equipped with a two-colour Cerachrom bezel insert in red and blue, combining the best in high technology with the iconic aesthetics of the original 1955 model.
This colour combination, long considered impossible to create in ceramic, is a dream come true for enthusiasts of this emblematic model.
Unique two-colour Cerachrom bezel
A technological and aesthetic feat, the new red and blue Cerachrom bezel insert is obtained via a unique manufacturing process developed and patented by Rolex, which enables the production of a single-piece, bulk-coloured ceramic component in two distinct colours. This insert echoes the traditional twocolour bezel of the original GMT-Master and GMT-Master II models.
An exceptional achievement on two counts, the innovation consists of creating a red ceramic disc – a colour that, in itself, is extremely difficult to obtain – and then locally modifying the chemical composition of each grain, right to the core of the ceramic, to change the red into blue over only half the insert with a perfectly clear demarcation between the two colours. The Rolex Cerachrom bezel inserts, introduced in 2005, have the advantage of being virtually scratch-resistant, highly corrosion-resistant, and their colour is unaffected by ultraviolet rays. Their diamond-polished surface offers a long-lasting lustre. The 24-hour graduation is engraved in the ceramic and coated with platinum via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition).
The Oyster case
The GMT-Master II’s 40 mm Oyster case, guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet), is a paragon of robustness, proportion and elegance. The characteristically shaped middle case is crafted from a solid block of 18 ct white gold, cast by Rolex in its own foundry. The fluted case back is hermetically screwed down with a special tool exclusive to Rolex watchmakers. The winding crown, fitted with the patented Triplock triple waterproofness system, screws down securely against the case. It is protected by a crown guard that is an integral part of the middle case. The crystal, with a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for easy reading of the date, is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimal protection for the GMT-Master II’s highprecision movement.
Calibre 3186
The GMT-Master II is equipped with calibre 3186, a self-winding mechanical movement with a second time zone function and date display entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. Like all Rolex Perpetual movements, the 3186 is a certified Swiss chronometer, a designation reserved for high-precision watches that have successfully passed the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) tests. Its design and quality manufacture ensure peerless precision and reliability. The oscillator, the true heart of the watch, has a blue Parachrom hairspring patented and manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive alloy of niobium and zirconium. Insensitive to magnetic fields, the Parachrom hairspring offers great stability when exposed to temperature variations and remains up to 10 times more precise in case of shocks than a traditional hairspring.
Solid-link bracelet and safety clasp
The new GMT-Master II is fitted with a solid-link Oyster bracelet in 18 ct white gold, with an Oysterlock safety clasp that prevents accidental opening. It also features the ingenious Rolexpatented Easylink rapid extension system that allows the wearer to easily increase the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm, for additional comfort in any circumstance.