Dear KM, I love this week’s theme as I just fulfilled a long time goal recently (hint: similar to one of Abel’s watches)

May 07, 2022,06:40 AM
 


My pursue of this highly sought-after watch started in 2018. At the Baselworld that year, Rolex released four new GMT-Master II models. An iconic blue-red "Pepsi" in steel with reference 126710BLRO. A stunning dual-tone "Root Beer" in steel and rose gold with reference 126711CHNR. Two more models in rose gold and white gold. Inside was a new calibre 3285 with 70 hour of power reserve. These Rolex novelties were the biggest stars of the show.

As someone who loves travels, I fell in love with the new GMT-Master II instantly. Being a watch enthusiast starting to collect watches, I set my sight on the Pepsi GMT as my first Rolex. I was in for a rude awakening as Rolex sports models were the so-called "unobtainium" in the watch collecting world. I simply didn't have a relationship with any Rolex AD.

I decided instead to get a Tudor Black Bay GMT "Pepsi" launched at the same time. It was a very nice GMT and I got to scratch an itch for a while. I still longed for a Rolex GMT Master II and tried to talk to any ADs I could find. An AD in Asia demanded a bundled deal that I needed to spend $75K (on Datejust and Tudors) to become a VIP customer first. Another AD offered me a Milgauss instead of GMT, but I didn't take it (I did have some regret later).

There was once an unworn dual-tone yellow gold and steel GMT Master II (not in current production) available at a grey market dealer. It was an attractive choice as there was no mark-up in price at that time. But I really preferred the 70-hour of power reserve only available with the new calibre. Another dealer offered an alternative, a Yacht-Master 40mm. I still wanted the GMT.

Then in early 2021, a new Rolex boutique opened in a mega-mall near me. I asked for a GMT again and was offered a Submariner with no date. This was the new model released in 2020 with an updated calibre. I took it without any hesitation this. It was a great start of a nice relationship.

I would stop by this Rolex boutique whenever I visited the mall. Clay, the store manger, would recognize me even with my mask on. He knew that I would be a super happy man if I could get hold of either a Pepsi, a Batman, or a Root-Beer. Fourteen months since that Submariner purchase, I got a call from Clay to book a time to visit the boutique.

After we sat down, Clay explained to me that he tried very hard but only managed to get me a dual-tone DateJust. Seeing me confused, he said that the Datejust needed to be tried on to see how good a choice it was. He asked me to close my eyes and then put on the watch on my wrist. After I opened my eyes, it was a stunning Root-Beer! Clay almost tricked me but now I was elated!

That is my story of getting the GMT Master II I always wanted, after 4 years. We certainly need patience and persistence. I learned this from Abel, as he shared with us his story of acquiring the Pepsi. Now, here are some pictures. Everyone have a very nice weekend!











More posts: Black BayDatejustGMT MasterGMT Master IIMilgaussTudorTudor Heritage

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The WS for the 6th of May - ‘The Long Hunt’ - is live

 
 By: KMII : May 6th, 2022-12:44
I guess most of the members here have been at the watch game for years, if not decades. And while many pieces might have joined our collections spontaneously, there were those that escaped us again and again, where a long, diligent effort was necessary to...  

And to kick proceedings off…

 
 By: KMII : May 6th, 2022-13:07
Here some of mine: Starting with the most recent. Years ago I found news of this appearing and it definitely looked like something I would enjoy. A fellow forum member, also interested tried to help out but at that point this was a JDM effort only and not...  

Great start dear KM with a theme that will bring …

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 6th, 2022-13:37
… many stories and watch shots from our community. I’m sure because in the sport of watch collecting many pieces arrive after a long hunt and with much patience and perseverance. Lovely watches you are sharing here: the JLC MCM still in my wish list. The ... 

Thanks so much for the kind words Abel!

 
 By: KMII : May 6th, 2022-18:31
And very much looking forward to seeing yours 😊

Tremendous post to start us off with …

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 6th, 2022-15:05
The Kurono is one that I also missed out on due to the difficulty with the payment system. I’m pleased to see that you finally added it to your collection. As for Habring, I love the watches that they lovingly create.

And for the people behind the watches, too 👏🏻👍🏻

 
 By: KMII : May 6th, 2022-18:32
Always a pleasure to go to Völkermarkt 👌🏻

Inspiring write-up!

 
 By: InHavenPro : May 6th, 2022-16:54
And a hugely eclectic and esoteric selection of timepieces . Great topic, much appreciated, Filip

Glad you like it!

 
 By: KMII : May 6th, 2022-18:33
And I am generally quite glad to be called eclectic 😂👍🏻🙏🏻

:), I'll submit my hyper-obvious entry....

 
 By: InHavenPro : May 6th, 2022-18:44
early tomorrow morning LA time . Today I just happen to be wearing my 'comfort' focused CasiOak . Cheers, Filip

Now for all its qualities, the CasiOak is still easy to source 😉

 
 By: KMII : May 7th, 2022-04:48
It took me a while to find someone willing to make me a custom leather band for it. And still waiting for a willing strap maker to make me one out of cashmere - so there’s another kind of long hunt 😂 ...  

Love it!

 
 By: InHavenPro : May 7th, 2022-13:36
I truly didn't even imagine someone would be so bold as to attempt to create a leather strap for it! I think it looks perfectly good - it is adequate for even more occasions when worn on such a neutral strap.... Thanks for the excellent pictures, Filip

Incredible collection of beautiful watches my friend

 
 By: Watchonthewrists : May 6th, 2022-20:31
All worth the wait and struggle imho 👌🏻😉

Thanks a lot Watchonthewrist 🙏🏻

 
 By: KMII : May 7th, 2022-04:49
It’s the journey that’s just as memorable as the pieces themselves 😊👍🏻

Love that VC!👍

 
 By: diracpoint : May 6th, 2022-22:03
Whimsical and classy at the same time!

 
 By: enjoythemusic : May 6th, 2022-14:44
The wait was well worth it. A humble thanks to the great team at Monochrome magazine for this Czapek collab. ...  

Stunning piece and pictures!

 
 By: Chronometer (aka yacomino) : May 6th, 2022-22:56

Dear KMII, speaking of Endurance......

 
 By: S F : May 6th, 2022-15:33
Did we put in the order around Oct/Nov 2020? Received on Valentine's day in 2022. The wait was long but no complaints I am glad Habring pulled through despite all the difficulties, kudos to the team! ...  

Congratulations on a fellow endurer!

 
 By: KMII : May 6th, 2022-18:35
Fortunately most of us have a watch or two, so waiting for one is not too much of a hardship 😊👍🏻

Hello dear KM! Let me participate in the Long Hunt theme…

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 6th, 2022-19:46
… with a few watches in my collection. As it happened to you and many colleagues in passion for watches here if we have been collecting during several years we have at least one (and probably more) watches that required a very long time searching and hunt...  

Always the sun 🌞

 
 By: KMII : May 7th, 2022-04:40
Love your sunny shots Abel 😊 Now it seems not to have been sunny in Paris but then your trophy more than compensated for it 👍🏻 All the stories resonate and the Pepsi flecto shots are sublime. Also wasn’t aware of your PP - either I am here to rarely or yo... 

Thanks a lot for your kind comments dear friend KM! Yes, that picture of my Panerai was taken in November 2014 and weather had been so so during almost all my stay in Paris.

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 7th, 2022-12:38
The Sun was in my heart so happy with having found my watch just minutes before boarding my plane after a long hunt during the previous weeks! Lol! Regarding my PP Anual Calendar: it is the first time I´m sharing it. I have pending a post about my small P... 

I think I know three of the four, if I am not mistaken 😉

 
 By: KMII : May 7th, 2022-18:52
But very much looking forward to seeing them all together 😊👍🏻

Ha ha ha!! Yes, of course: I have shared the 5110g World Timer and the 5167A Aquanaut and now this 5396g Annual Calendar. The fourth is...

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 7th, 2022-23:39
... ref 5170g chrono, black dial. With much pleasure will show all four soon. Best, Abel

Wow!

 
 By: KMII : May 8th, 2022-04:38
What a collection 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

The Pepsi …

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 8th, 2022-08:15
Three interesting stories and I completely understand your hunt for the Rolex GMT Pepsi, it is a very nice Rolex and the bracelet is very cool. I’m pleased you finally received this one for your collection. Enjoy it and make many happy memories.

Hello, dear Abel !.. One time more you chose some really nice watches & pics thereof !

 
 By: hs111 : May 8th, 2022-14:30
Although I had seen( if remembered correctly) 2 of your Pepsi reflection shots, and I still like the composition, next to the watch, of course ! - The DSA ( next to some other tic-tacs) we share as well, and you confirmed, that you shared your PP Annual C... 

Hello again dear friend HS! I always enjoy and thank so much your comments about my selections. As we know, we share similar tastes and own several similar watches so I feel we are...

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 9th, 2022-13:55
... some kind of horological twins! Lol! Agree with your feelings about the watches I have shared this weekend. And of course with your point about Panerai watches. Thanks a again for your kind good wishes and I send mine in return. Have a great week ahea... 

A theme all collectors will have some sort of story with .

 
 By: Watchonthewrists : May 6th, 2022-21:03
A watch I first saw at the Atelier from Akrivia when it was released a couple of years ago , It was love at first sight. I couldn’t afford it back then but I couldn’t get it out of my mind. Fast forward two years ago i got a message from my friend Chris (...  

I am glad that I was helpful in a modest way 😉

 
 By: KMII : May 7th, 2022-04:43
In you going for a Habring2. I can highly recommend a visit to Carinthia, too 👍🏻 And a superb example you have. The other pieces shown are proper grails, too, with you contributing to the popularity of all three with your amazing shots 👏🏻

Dear KM, I love this week’s theme as I just fulfilled a long time goal recently (hint: similar to one of Abel’s watches)

 
 By: Sfwatchlover : May 7th, 2022-06:40
My pursue of this highly sought-after watch started in 2018. At the Baselworld that year, Rolex released four new GMT-Master II models. An iconic blue-red "Pepsi" in steel with reference 126710BLRO. A stunning dual-tone "Root Beer" in steel and rose gold ...  

Great story and glad to hear that the store manager finally made it happen for you!

 
 By: KMII : May 7th, 2022-08:36
And fantastic shots of the long awaited piece, too 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Hello dear Sfwatchlover! Big congrats on your new GMT and thanks a lot for sharing the great story behind it! You confirm my previous words that patience and perseverance are two...

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 7th, 2022-17:51
... required conditions for any watch collector. I´m sure that like it happened to me with my own GMT, the long long wait added excitement to the arrival of this piece and as added to the feeling of finally owning and wearing it on your wrist. I enjoyed s... 

Dear Abel, thanks for the kind words and I agree with all you said. The long wait did add to the excitement and joy when it finally happened! The latest models of GMT Master II are such well built timepieces

 
 By: Sfwatchlover : May 7th, 2022-21:47
that I could not find any faults. It is such a beautiful piece and keeps very accurate time. Thanks for the experience sharing and advice along the way. Take care!!

Always my big pleasure dear Sfwatchlover. Agree with you that Rolex makes wonderful watches, both their movements so reliable and tough and the finish of their watches...

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 8th, 2022-00:57
... is very high level. As a long time fan (more than fifty years loving this brand) of Rolex, my only regret is that they are not available in their Boutiques or AD´s as it happened not many years ago and this obviously disappoint to those who wish to ge... 

And a fresh, long sought for one…

 
 By: KMII : May 7th, 2022-08:42
Just this morning another of the watches I have been looking for forever arrived - the Giugiaro designed Bishop, in a 2014 On-Time JDM Edition (the full name is a true mouthful). Have been a fan of Giugiaro design ever since I could remember and always wa...  

Wow dear friend KM! Big congrats on this new catch with arrived just in time to be shared in this weekend edition of WS. That´s a great addition to your collection and I´m happy to know you fulfilled...

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 7th, 2022-17:59
... your wish to own a Giugiaro design for Seiko. His designs have a very strong personality indeed. I wish you´ll enjoy you so much my dear friend! I have also a watch arrived last week after a very long (several years) hunt and it has already arrived to... 

Your entry was spectacular irrespective!

 
 By: KMII : May 7th, 2022-18:54
And there will be several more WSs over the coming weekends where it will have a chance to feature 😊👍🏻 And congratulations 🎉🎊🎈

Dear KMII, great theme again this week-end. My most recent acquisition is the wonderful and unexpected CK859…

 
 By: Chronometer (aka yacomino) : May 7th, 2022-10:19
And out the current collection the one I had to wait the longest was the Batman… But the hunt here is still on for the GMT Pepsi for which I have been waiting for 2 years almost! I am hoping 2022 will be the year for it but who knows! Right now I am also ...  

Hello dear friend Yacomino! Great pictures you share here of your Batman GMT!! They show your watch in all its glory. Lovely watch. I hope this year your Pepsi will arrive too! As well as...

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 7th, 2022-18:03
... the other wonderful timepieces you mention you are hunting. We collectors are so greedy! Lol! I can well understand you my dear friend! Lol! Enjoy your wonderful collection so much! Cheers! Abel

😉

 
 By: Chronometer (aka yacomino) : May 7th, 2022-20:22

That is for sure!

 
 By: Chronometer (aka yacomino) : May 8th, 2022-11:31

Yes I agree all variant are very sweet!

 
 By: Chronometer (aka yacomino) : May 8th, 2022-11:27

Thank you avail for the kind words and also I think another watch I am hunting for for the past year…

 
 By: Chronometer (aka yacomino) : May 7th, 2022-20:21
Which I forgot to mention but it is the WatchProSite 20th anniversary watch which we are still waiting for I think it’s been a year since we ordered it! Can’t wait to receive it and let’s hope we get it very soon😎😎😎

Great additional shots of the Batman!

 
 By: KMII : May 7th, 2022-18:57
Definitely perfectly color matched 👌🏻👍🏻

The Batman ! …

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 8th, 2022-08:17
Such a cool watch.

Yes it is! 👌👌👌

 
 By: Chronometer (aka yacomino) : May 8th, 2022-11:33

That Omega truly looks exciting!

 
 By: KMII : May 7th, 2022-18:56
And congratulations on the Batman 👍🏻 Hope the other hopes soon join your collection, too 🤞🏻👍🏻

This story is already well recorded here :)....

 
 By: InHavenPro : May 7th, 2022-18:20
But since this is the thread to 'celebrate' such experiences in particular here it is again.... I have desired this exact watch with as much feverish intensity as I could possibly desire an inanimate object, from the moment I lay eyes on it when I joined ...  

That’s proper dedication and possibly the longest wait for a piece in the thread so far!

 
 By: KMII : May 7th, 2022-18:59
And a fantastic piece, so close to a concept watch and the Magali Metrailler design is an absolute killer 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

Wholeheartedly agree :D

 
 By: InHavenPro : May 7th, 2022-19:08
Thanks KM, Filip

Back to the future - matic!

 
 By: jml_watches : May 7th, 2022-18:32
Hi All The watch that was the most protracted to get was my Futurematic. Read about them in a watch magazine QP I think, and was instantly struck. Lots of hunting and many dead ends. Followed by success, as I found one I liked and got it shipped - only to...  

A truly epic tale and so happy there was a Happy End to it!

 
 By: KMII : May 7th, 2022-19:01
Especially the postal box arriving empty must have been a true bummer! Glad it finally got sorted and that eventually you managed to get the watch, which is one of the signature pieces in your collection 👏🏻👌🏻

Thanks - the empty box was particularly painful.

 
 By: jml_watches : May 7th, 2022-22:01
In the long run, I probably got a better watch, but that's part of the learning process. Cheers JML

I suppose so…

 
 By: KMII : May 8th, 2022-04:41
All’s well that ends well 👍🏻

Wow, what a story....

 
 By: InHavenPro : May 7th, 2022-21:56
That initial bust must have been a 'hard pill' to swallow.... Supremely happy for you to have managed to get to the finish line with it as originally intended! Inspiring stuff, Filip

Thanks :)

 
 By: jml_watches : May 7th, 2022-22:06
It's been worth the effort as it's a great watch. Resolving the insurance was a bureaucratic nightmare - but it all panned out in the end. It's good to have it back in fine fettle & be able to enjoy it. Cheers JML

👍 impressive!

 
 By: Chronometer (aka yacomino) : May 8th, 2022-17:42

Hello JML!! The Futurematic is one of my favorite watches among your beautiful collection as I had told you before. Now I discover the awesome story behind its catch!!

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 8th, 2022-14:23
Thank you for sharing with us. I´m happy you could finally get it and you can enjoy it so much. A wonderful piece well worth the efforts and time invested to get it. Keep enjoying and loving so much! Best cordial regards, Abel

Thanks :)

 
 By: jml_watches : May 8th, 2022-17:39

It’s all about the journey …

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 7th, 2022-19:05
Hello dear friends ! Firstly, many thanks to our great host KMII for providing us with another very enjoyable theme. Over the years there have been several watches that have taken time to bring home after eluding my collection for various reasons, but luc...  

Cap,

 
 By: InHavenPro : May 7th, 2022-22:04
Your '67 Speedmaster is simply awesometacular . Cannot wait to get one myself, it's not gonna take too long . Cheers, Filip

Thank you 🙏 …

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 7th, 2022-22:20
Good luck with this mission !

Three great watches you share here dear Captain. It may have required a long hunt but it was well worth the efforts and perseverance. Well done my dear friend!

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 8th, 2022-01:04
The CB case Speedy is a real dream for any Speedmaster fan. Keep enjoying them so much! Cheers! Abel

Thank you Abel …

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 8th, 2022-08:29
As you know the CB is difficult as many have very been polished removing the distinctive case bevels, unique to the CB. You also have to Aquanaut 5167A, and know how enjoyable this watch is in almost any situation. The equivalent of the Swiss Army Knife.

My pleasure Captain. Yes, the CB is a very difficult variant to catch. Few were produced and as you say the distinctive inside lug bevel can be removed when polishing the case.

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 8th, 2022-14:00
That makes the CB such a coveted variant among Speedmaster collectors. Agree with you about the Aquanaut. Loved your reference to the Swiss Army Knife! I also own a Submariner 50th Anniversary (Kermit) by the way. It´s an unique Sub variant and I consider...  

I love your photo ! …

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 8th, 2022-16:45
Very creative !

A trio of great hunts, Captain 👍🏻

 
 By: KMII : May 8th, 2022-04:42
The jumping in the car to dash off to the AD, the stories of better times 😁👌🏻

The story …

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 8th, 2022-08:37
They were interesting times back then, I became determined to get this watch and I hit on this one after a random call to an AD early one morning. The watch had just been delivered and they had called a customer who said he couldn’t view the watch until a... 

That’s proper dedication there!

 
 By: KMII : May 8th, 2022-10:08
And another industry happy on top of the watch industry 😂😂😂

My Flightmaster might hold the record . . .

 
 By: Dr No : May 7th, 2022-20:10
. . . for long-range sniper shots. Started the hunt ~ 2004 but unable to match up finds with funds for over a decade. Either an affordable 910 wasn't available, or the bank account was drained when it was. In early January 2016, I was home one evening una...  

Amazing story!

 
 By: InHavenPro : May 7th, 2022-22:02
And possibly, the only one which took the equivalent of my epic journey to achieve (12 whole years).... Sincerely appreciate the wonderful write-up and corresponding images . Cheers, Filip

There are four kinds of guys in this world: Speedmaster, Seamaster, . . .

 
 By: Dr No : May 8th, 2022-00:40
. . . Rail and Flight. I'm a blend of #3 and #4.

Nice analogy LoL :)

 
 By: InHavenPro : May 8th, 2022-00:41

How right you are…

 
 By: KMII : May 8th, 2022-04:46
A piece I would probably like to add at some point, too. I have carefully added the word probably, as i am well aware of the total number of watches reaching levels, where they do not all get adequate wrist time anymore. And I really enjoy the human eleme... 

I know that feeling …

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 8th, 2022-08:41
As watch collectors, we need to evolve and grow a couple of extra arms 😬

Great shot Art ! …

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 8th, 2022-08:39
Superb find and definitely worth the trip. I’m still hunting for one !

Well, while I’m still waiting for a no date Sub and a Batman…

 
 By: RabidManatee : May 7th, 2022-20:11
the only watch I’ve ever really hunted/waited for was this one. I was interested in a moderately sized Seiko diver with the movement found in the Marinemaster, and when this model was rumored I called a Seiko Boutique and got on their list. Wearing it tod...  

A wonderful piece I sadly missed out on 🤦🏻‍♂️

 
 By: KMII : May 8th, 2022-04:48
I mistakenly thought it will still be around a bit later 🤷🏻‍♂️ Certainly a great piece and good luck with your other two hunts 🤞🏻

Hmmhh.. Let me see, how to play..

 
 By: hs111 : May 8th, 2022-13:45
Triple Date Calendrier, 40ies, Cal 464 -Ying & Yang (finding the Duo was the challenge). 3 Black Knights: left: Memovox Internat’l, middle: MMV 855, Rt: Master Compressor Memovox (Was a pretty long hunt to making all three Memovoxes Again - Black & Wh...  

Hello dear friend HS!! I was waiting for your entry to find which watches would you share today. You never disappoint my dear friend!

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 8th, 2022-14:18
The three Black Knights is not an easy trio to reunite! I can well understand your efforts with them. Same with your triple date JLC duo! And the Breguet Type XX? Wow! What a piece! Even its cardboard case is so charming!! And as you well say... best thin... 

Hello dear Abel, in kind return !.. As so at multiple times, Thx a lot for your nice words & your appreciated remarks !

 
 By: hs111 : May 8th, 2022-16:07
I am glad, you also liked some of the pics, really appreciated ! Let me finally mention that I am always curious, which shots you have selected and I am looking forward, which other kind remark you have made this time.. As we both - and I am sure many , m... 

My dear friend HS: Always my big pleasure to view and comment your shots and wonderful collection. I absolutely agree with you that the exchange of thoughts and comments between ...

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 9th, 2022-13:52
... members of our Community is a very nice and rewarding part of our participation here. I would add that it also helps to learn from the experiences of others as well as we have our eyes opened to other brands and types of watches wich widens the horizo... 

HagSunday 🍻

 
 By: Stoikos : May 8th, 2022-14:48
My story is far less interesting than many above. All I’ve to say is this Daytona was easier to hunt in 2018 than it is today, but it was still a satisfying challenge. ...  

Hmmhh.. Let me see, how to play this week..

 
 By: hs111 : May 13th, 2022-12:02
Sorry folks, I erroneously posted the Cocktails post here - if you can do it please move it to the Cocktails Thread ! Sorry for the mishap ! ...  

Hmmhh.. Let me see what to chip in to play this week

 
 By: hs111 : May 13th, 2022-12:17
Dear WS editor, this post has been moved to the right thread ( Cocktails), as I had initially, by error had amended it here ! Sorry for the mishap ! hs PS: I have forgotten, how one can make a “jump from here” to another target post; maybe someone can re-...