Since Rolex launched the ceramic red and blue “Pepsi” bezel in 2014, the discussion on when the red and black “Coke” bezel will be made of ceramic has not stopped. After all, even the red and blue colors of the GMT-Master’s first generation were already made of ceramic, and the charm of the “Pepsi” and “Coke” bezels was once popular. Now, after so many years, we are all waiting to see if there will be a new ceramic Coke bezel.
Anticipation of the Ceramic Coke Bezel
Watch enthusiasts’ expectations for the ceramic “Coke” bezel are particularly high this year. 2024 marks the 70th anniversary of the GMT-Master’s first model, the 6542, so speculation is heating up that Rolex will release an anniversary edition. The press has revealed that Rolex filed a patent application at the end of 2022 for multi-colored ceramic parts, specifically mentioning red and black, which has led to a lot of speculation about the imminent debut of a ceramic “Coke” bezel.
However, the news is still tinged with uncertainty. While many vintage Rolex collectors believe that the original 6542 was first released in 1954, Rolex’s website officially dates the GMT-Master to 1955, when it became the watch of choice for a number of international airlines, including Pan Am. Therefore, even if Rolex launches a commemorative model, it may not publicly declare it as an anniversary edition, and we will have to wait for the official announcement to be made.
Rolex GMT-Master II: The Evolution of the Ceramic Bezel
The Rolex GMT-Master II collection has gradually introduced a variety of colorways since the introduction of the two-tone ceramic bezel in 2013, including:
- 2013: Blue and black bezel (116710BLNR), also affectionately known as “Batman” by watch enthusiasts.
- 2014: Red and blue bezel (116719), made of ceramic.
- 2018: Brown-black bezel (126711), also known as the “Sasquatch bezel”.
- 2022: Green and black bezel (126720VTNR), known as the “Sprite bezel”.
- 2023: Grey and black bezel (126718GRNR-0001/126713GRNR-0001), the newest representative of the two-tone grey and black ceramic bezel.
The launch of each new color scheme brings watch fans a new visual impact and collection value. In particular, the production process of ceramic bezels is far more complicated than that of monochrome ceramics, and it is necessary to ensure that the color is bright and the quality is stable before entering the mass production stage.
Blue and Black Bezel and “Coke” Bezel: Rolex’s Classic Choices
Among Rolex’s many two-tone ceramic bezels, the blue-black and red-black have always been two of the most popular.
- Blue and black bezel (126710BLNR): In 2013, Rolex debuted the GMT-Master II (model 116710BLNR) with a blue and black bezel. This calm and versatile hue quickly became a hot seller in the market. In 2020, Rolex launched a new version of the Blue and Black bezel (126710BLNR) with a new generation of movements and a five-pearl band design. And in 2021, Rolex again introduced the Blue and Black bezel (ref: 126710blnr-0003) with an Oyster band. Due to the popularity of the Oyster band in the market and its relatively better value for money, this watch continues to be a hot collector’s item.
- Red and black bezel (“Coke” bezel): Compared with the blue and black bezel, the red and black “Coke” bezel is more daring. Rolex’s red and black bezel debuted in 2018 with the 116719 model, featuring a ceramic bezel. This version is more expensive but is seen as more of a high-end luxury model because of its white gold case. In 2022, Rolex launched a more affordable stainless steel model (126710BLRO-0002), bringing the “Coke” bezel into the reach of more watch enthusiasts.
Other Colors: A Wider Choice
In addition to the classic blue-black and red-black color schemes, Rolex continues to introduce new color combinations. For example, the green and black bezel (126720VTNR) launched in 2022 is known as the “Sprite bezel”, which not only features a brightly colored bezel but also a left crown that makes the watch more collectible. The “Sasquatch bezel” launched in the same year and the grey and black bezel introduced in 2023 further enriched the choices for the GMT-Master II, satisfying the individual needs of different watch fans.
Price and Market Conditions
For different versions of the Rolex GMT-Master II series, their market prices vary greatly. For example, the ref: 126710blnr-0003 released in 2021 with an Oyster band is priced lower and more attractive compared to other versions with five-pearl bands. Models like ref: 126710blnr-0003, with its classic design and relatively low pricing, make it more sought-after on the pre-owned market, with prices around $10,000 – $11,000 USD.
To sum up, the Rolex GMT-Master II series not only continues to innovate in bezel color, but its excellent mechanical craftsmanship and steadily rising market value have also made this series a top choice for watch enthusiasts and collectors. For collectors who love GMT-Master II, ref: 126710blnr-0003 is undoubtedly a classic worthy of investment and collection.