BASELWORLD 2019: Rolex Oyster GMT-Master II ,Batman’
Rolex is presenting a new version of the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II Ref. 126710 BLNR with blue and black cerachrom insert and a bidirectional rotating bezel in Oystersteel, called ‚Batman’ within the Rolex community. In 2013, the brand already introduced a GMT-Master II with a single-piece, two-colour blue and black ceramic bezel.
This watch, in Oystersteel and fitted with a Jubilee bracelet, echoes the GMT-Master II introduced in 2018, which featured a Cerachrom bezel insert in red and blue ceramic, called ‚Pepsi’. This new version is equipped with calibre 3285, first introduced on the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II in 2018.
One instrument – several time zones
Designed as a navigation aid for professionals, over time the GMT-Master became the watch of choice for travellers. The emblematic single- or two-colour bezel has been made available in a variety of colours and combinations and became a hallmark of Rolex timepieces.
Rolex Oyster GMT-Master II ,Batman’ Ref. Ref. 126710 BLNR
With traditional hour, minute and seconds hands, a triangle-tipped 24-hour hand, and a bidirectional rotating bezel with 24-hour graduated cerachrom insert, the GMT-Master II can display the time in two time zones simultaneously: either the local time and the reference time, or the local time and that of an alternative time zone. The date, placed at 3 o’clock on the dial, is synchronized with the local time.
High-technology ceramic
Rolex has specialized in the development of special ceramics for monobloc bezels and monobloc bezel inserts. Not only are these new materials extremely corrosion-resistant and virtually scratchproof, their colours are also of a special intensity and unaffected by ultraviolet rays. On the new version of the GMT-Master II, the bidirectional rotating bezel is fitted with a two-colour, 24-hour graduated Cerachrom insert, again in blue and black ceramic. The moulded, recessed graduations and numerals are coated with platinum via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition).
The Oyster case
The middle case is crafted from a solid block of particularly corrosion-resistant Oystersteel. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. The winding crown, fitted with the triplock triple waterproofness system, screws down securely against the case and is protected by an integral crown guard. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and is fitted with a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for easy reading of the date. The up to a depth of 100 metres waterproof Oyster case provides protection for the GMT-Master II’s high-precision movement.
Rolex Oyster GMT-Master II ,Batman’ Ref. Ref. 126710 BLNR
Perpetual calibre 3285
The in-house manufactured Calibre 3285 incorporates the chronergy escapement patented by Rolex, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic interference. The movement is fitted with an optimized blue parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive paramagnetic alloy that makes it up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. The blue parachrom hairspring is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring its regularity in any position. The oscillator is fitted on the Rolex-designed and -patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movement’s shock resistance.
Calibre 3285 is equipped with a self-winding module via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of calibre 3285 extends to approximately 70 hours.
Jubilee braceletand Oysterlock safety clasp
This version of the GMT-Master II is fitted with a Jubilee bracelet.The five-piece link Jubilee bracelet was specially created for the launch of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust model in 1945.
The Jubilee bracelet on this new version is equipped with a Rolex-designed and -patented Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening. It also features the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by the brand, which allows the bracelet length to be increased by approximately 5 mm. A concealed attachment system ensures seamless visual continuity between the bracelet and case.
Rolex Oyster GMT-Master II ,Batman’ Ref. Ref. 126710 BLNR
Like all Rolex watches, the new GMT-Master II version carries the ‘Superlative Chronometer’ certification, a special quality standard that Rolex offers. The ‘Superlative Chronometer’ status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.
Black, chromalight indices, hands with blue luminescent coating
STRAP:
Jubilee, five-piece links, Oystersteel, with folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Easylink 5 mm extension link
CALIBRE:
Calibre 3285
MECHANISM:
Self-winding
POWER RESERVE:
70 hours
FUNCTIONS:
Centre hour, minute and seconds hands, 24-hour display, second time zone with independent rapid-setting of the hour hand, instantaneous date, stop-seconds for precise time setting
Rolex is introducing an Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller Ref. M126603 in a yellow Rolesor version for the first time, combining Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold. On its black dial, the name 'Sea-Dweller' is inscribed in a yellow hue, echoing the colour of the 18 ct yellow gold. When the Sea-Dweller was updated in 2017, this lettering was in red, in…
Since introducing the Royal Oak Offshore in 1993, Audemars Piguet has released various versions combining different materials and colours. Recently, the brand presented two new limited-edition Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph models. Both versions come with a black ceramic case and either feature titanium or rose gold details for a high-contrast, sporty aesthetic. The models have an openworked dial, flying…
In an exciting move for fans of the brand, Tissot is bringing back a historic model. The new Tissot PR516 adopts the design of the original from the 1970s, but is now equipped with a state-of-the-art movement. True to its history, it dispenses with automatic winding in favour of manual winding. The mechanical chronograph represents…
Panerai is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its online fan community paneristi.com with the special edition Panerai Radiomir Venti – 45 mm. The website is a reference point for Panerai lovers all over the world and is independent of the brand or Richemont Group, to which Panerai has belonged since 1997. However, the anniversary model,…
To honor the explorer Mike Horn, Panerai created the new Submersible Mike Horn Edition, introduced at SIHH watch fair 2019. The watch is upon other terms water resistant to a depth of 300 m or 30 bar. Mike Horn is someone, whose heart beats for nature and its protection. Therefore Panerai was interested in using innovative methods…
20 years ago Frederique Constant introduced its Highlife collection. Now, the Geneva-based manufacturer is presenting three new models that build on the collection's heritage. In addition to the Highlife Automatic COSC and the Highlife Heart Beat, the manufacture is also presenting the Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture. The latter offers not only a perpetual calendar with…
Montblanc is introducing an impressively designed new watch, of which only eight pieces are available – the Montblanc Star Legacy Exo Tourbillon Skeleton LE8. The watch features a fully-skeletonized, three-dimensional movement. The watch comes on a brown Sfumato alligator leather strap from the Pelletteria atelier in Florence. The polished case of the Montblanc Star Legacy…
The year 2023 has barely begun yet the first trade fair, LVMH Watch Week, is already underway – and with it come many innovations that are worth discussing in more detail. The fourth edition of LVMH Watch Week will take place in Singapore at the luxurious Capella Hotel, where the four watchmaking houses of the…
Overseen by Julien Boillat, the Richard Mille watch design teams have reinterpreted the brands first ultra-thin round watch, RM 033 from 2011: The exterior decoration, case and dial have been reworked. The taut lines of the case combine the curves of a tonneau shape and the elegance of a round form with a subtle allusion…
During this year's LVMH Watch Week, TAG Heuer is presenting fans with two special new chronographs. The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph pays homage to a historic model of the brand with its Dato layout and a date at 9 o'clock. Meanwhile, the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon integrates the eponymous rotating cage designed to compensate…
The IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 is back with a blue dial. The timepiece, which was first presented at Watches and Wonders 2023 in four variations, pays homage to the original design by Gérald Genta from the 1970s. With its striking case and integrated bracelet, the Ingenieur Automatic 40 is a modern interpretation of a classic.…
Inspired by one of the brand’s most famous pocket watches, which already won a gold medal in 1889 on the Paris world fair, Girard-Perregaux now introduces the La Esmeralda Tourbillon in white gold. Since developing the first tourbillon in 1860, the manufacture kept innovating new techniques and over time created a mechanism, that was not only functional…
The Glashütte manufacture is presenting a new generation of the A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk. The watch with mechanical digital display was launched in 2009 and is, 13 years later, receiving its first update. The timepiece is now available in either a red gold case with a black dial or a platinum case with a…