There is nothing that echoes fame, wealth and prestige as the name Rolex does. You don’t have to be an expert or a fan to know how great this brand is and how exceptional its watches are. High quality, revolutionary technology, and innovative design- these are the key factors of its continuous success. Over the decades, Rolex has produced some of the most iconic, versatile and functional watches in the history of modern horology. Every timepiece is a proof of its extraordinary sense of innovation.
GENUINE GMT MASTER
The GMT Master II is one of its most emblematic designs. Created in the 1950s especially for Pan Am pilots the watch was intended as a superior instrument able to display the time in different time zones. Even though many variations and improvements have been brought to the original Oyster Perpetual GMT, the classic design and basic features are pretty much the same even nowadays.
To understand how ground breaking the GMT Master II was when it first came out, we need to mention the fact that it was one of the first timepieces that could tell time in two different time zones at once. Its uniqueness was that it didn’t have just a fourth hand that circled the dial in 24 hours, but also a rotating bezel with 24 hour markers that could be used for controlling the second time zone. And so Rolex created a masterpiece that was acclaimed and loved by all globetrotters, not just by air pilots.
To use the GMT function you need to: rotate the bezel until the marker points to 12 o’clock, set the GMT to the current Greenwich Mean Time, change the hour hands and set it to the current timezone. When you pull the winding crown in the second position and you rotate it, the minutes move with the GMT hand and when it is in the first position, the hours hand moves by itself. This way, the GMT hand will show the GMT reference time and by using the bezel, you can set the second time zone.
One of the Rolex GMT Master II models that are most sought after is the one with two-tone case and black dial. This version comes with a 40 mm case and is manufactured from 904L steel and 18 karats gold. The reason why it is so popular is, of course, the 18 k gold. Elegant and opulent, the gold and steel case combination is the detail that marks it as a glamorous and precious timepiece. Simply said, it is the right choice for making a bold statement wherever you go. This is why I had to buy one for my Rolex replica collection. A while back I ordered it online and I have been wearing it quite a lot lately so I decided to review it and share my impressions with you.
The case
The case of the authentic Rolex GMT Master II is built to last. Manufactured from superior quality materials such as extremely durable 904L stainless steel and 18 ct gold, this watch is by all means a very resistant and refined timepiece that suggests richness and elegance. Its 40 mm case is complemented by a highly functional 24 hour graduated bezel. This bezel is part of its complex second time zone feature. It is used to set the different time zone. To ensure perfect waterproofness up to 100 meter this flawless case is adorned with a scratch resistant sapphire crystal that has a beautiful shine over the iconic Rolex dial. By taking a very close look at the case of my replica watch I realized that it is very similar to the authentic one. The size, the shape and markings of the case, bezel and winding crown are the same. The only thing I would have to point out as being different is the gold on the watch. But this is perfectly understandable. No one will manufacture a replica watch from actual gold because it would be too expensive. My replica isn’t manufactured from solid 18 ct gold and stainless steel. It is all solid stainless steel with plated 18 ct gold on the golden parts.
The dial
The timeless personality of the Rolex GMT Master II is defined by its flawless dial. Even though many things about this model were changed over the years, the basic dial design remains the same. Distinctively, the black dial is a beautiful interpretation of the GMT Master II. The elegant matte dial with sophisticated white glow in the dark and 18 ct gold markers and hands make a stunning contrast with the green 24-hour hand. And at 3 o’clock we have the classic date window with the 2.5 X magnifying lens. I have studied very hard the dial of my replica trying to find some differences between its design and the one of the original watch. I was able to find just two. Firstly, the minutes indexes and writing on the dial which were supposed to be white are gold color. Secondly, the Oyster Perpetual Date writing is a bit smaller on my replica. The rest appears to be the same.
The movement
The GMT Master II watch comes with a Caliber 3186 movement which is an automatic movement designed and manufactured entirely by Rolex. Certified as a Swiss Chronometer, this very reliable mechanism features a Perpetual Rotor for bidirectional self-winding and a Parachrom hairspring for better resistance to temperature variation and shocks. Besides these innovations, the Caliber 3186 movement also supports the 24-hour timezone and date function. The actual uniqueness of this movement is that it allows you to set the new timezone without interfering with your reference time. You got to admit, it is hard to beat the Rolex in house Caliber 3186. Not even the best replica could match it. But there are still some very good imitations out there that offer great time accuracy and the smooth GMT function. My replica is one of them. It is quite precise and it has a functional second time zone hand thus allowing you to keep track of the time in a different time zone.
The bracelet
The case of the Rolex GMT Master II is paired up with a beautiful three-link two tone bracelet with a folding Oysterlock easylink clasp. The actual bracelet is manufactured from 940L solid stainless steel and 18 ct gold. By using these two high quality materials the watch is considered one of the most expensive and refined Rolex models. Of course, the bracelet of my replica isn’t manufactured from the same materials. Instead, it is made from 316 full solid stainless steel plated with 18 ct gold where the actual gold should be. I am overall happy with the bracelet because it feels quite comfortable and authentic. It is sturdy and imposing on the wrist giving you the impression that it weights the same as the genuine one, plus it has a very nice shine and finishing.
With its contemporary and manly design, the Rolex GMT Master II is a magnet for the traveling enthusiast. Its versatility and functionality embodies sophistication and class so it is understandable why so many people want it and instead of spending a fortune on the original one they choose a good quality replica. This is what I did and overall I am very happy with my GMT Master II replica. It is a very well made imitation, except the font color issue, that looks and feels authentic, plus it keeps very good time.