When Rolex releases a new model, it is inevitably a special event in the watch-making sphere. In 2007, the new GMT Master II was not an exception, symbolizing a real evolution in this emblematic model's history.

 

Overall view

Thanks to its characteristics and its style, the watch remains sportive but is also a multipurpose watch with its contained dimensions.

The casing is solid due to its shapes and lugs.
The Triplock crown shows up  and the impression of sturdiness and quality is confirmed as soon as you put the watch around your wrist.

The great novelty of the range: the 24 notches revolving bezel made of ceramics that catches the eyes' attention. Its shining and changing aspect, its platinum encrusted numerals and the pleasures of its manipulation are a real success.

As to the sapphire glass is flat and is not made of a coated lens, while the date magnifying glass is. This option reduces the thickness of the watch, but makes the reading uncomfortable in some lightning conditions.

 

An excellent readability

Lined with a leaning flange and now engraved with the name of the brand, the dial is designed with the aim to increase the readability.
The markers, circled with white gold and filled with luminova, are bigger than before.
As well as for the hands, broadened compared to the previous models, allow an easy reading.
The GMT hand stands out with a green body, while the arrow is similar to the other hands.

The dial, of a deep black color, is completed with the traditional marking, which are achieved with great delicacy.

The readability is excellent and the set dial/casing is very harmonious.

The steel strap is also much more increased compared to the previous versions.
Massive, it perspires solidity, just as the folding buckle. It is brushed on its external links, polished on its central links.

 

 

The movement

Hidden under a full and brushed caseback, the mechanics / engine that  drives this GMTIIC is the automatic 3186 caliber.
Characterized by an impeccable finishing, it is a certified chronometer , which beats 28.800 alternations per hour.
It has a 48-hour power reserve.

It also has a very interesting regulating system : the parachrom spiral, insensitive to the temperature changes and to the magnetic fields, is combined to the traditional screw inertial adjusted balance.

Its working allows the use of three different time zones.
The green hand shows the reference time on a 24-hour basis.
The local time, on a 12-hour basis, is adjustable at the second notch per an hour leap without stopping the watch.
Finally, by turning the bezel, a third time zone matching the GMT hand can be read.

 

 

Conclusion

The evolution of this GMT Master is unquestionable.
Some like it, other not...
But as a matter of fact, the quality in its whole has taken one step forward, a proof that the challenge of renewing this model is a real success.

 

The + :

• a reliable caliber
• the readability (night and day)
• the comfort

 

The – :

• the flat and non coated sapphire
• the unbalance of the multitask watch to the advantage of the sport design

 

Further information :

• journalist's wrist size = 17,5 cm