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!