GMT MASTER (GMT MASTER) Product history and chronology explained

Cal.1066
Power reserve approximately 48 hours Water resistance 50m Case size 38mm

The 1950s was a time when traveling across continents became popular due to the development of airplanes. The GMT-Master was born in response to a request from Pan American Airlines, a major airline at the time. The first generation GMT Master I features a red and blue bezel, a mirror dial, a 38mm case size, and the absence of the crown guard that current models have. Initially, it was made of plexiglass, but due to its vulnerability to shocks, it was changed to aluminum, and it was produced from the start of sales in 1954 until around 1959.

Cal.1566 / Cal.1575
Power reserve approximately 36~48 hours Water resistance 50m Case size 40mm

The case size increased to 40 mm, and from around this time two types of bracelets were added: Jubilee and Oyster bracelets, and the current model also comes with a crown guard, which is an essential part that enhances the design and practicality. Che Guevara, famous for wearing the GMT Master, also wore this model, and it is famous as an extremely popular antique watch even today. Since it is a long-selling model that has been manufactured for about 20 years, the movement installed in it is different from when it was first released and after 1965.

Cal.3075
Power reserve approximately 48 hours Water resistance 100m Case size 40mm

There are no major design changes compared to the second generation, but the movement is equipped with a 28,800 vibration Cal. The waterproof performance has also evolved from 50m to 100m. Around this time, Rolex began to show why it is called the pinnacle of practical watches.

Cal.3085
Power reserve approximately 48 hours Water resistance 100m Case size 40mm

The GMT Master II was born in 1983 and is a higher-end model of the GMT Master I. Its first model, Ref.16760. The difference from the GMT Master I is that only the hour hand can be moved independently. When used in conjunction with the bezel, it is possible to keep track of up to three time zones with one watch. In order to differentiate it from the GMT Master I, the bezel colors were available only in red and black. The GMT Master I had a plastic windshield, but the II is equipped with a sapphire crystal windshield, so it can be seen that this model is positioned as a higher model than the GMT Master I. The amount in circulation on the used market is extremely small. It is also called the Fat Lady because the case is thicker than other GMT Masters.

Cal.3175
Power reserve approximately 48 hours Water resistance 100m Case size 40mm

The final model as GMT Master I, Ref.16700, had the windshield changed to sapphire crystal like the II. Until then, bracelets had single locks, but from around 1995 they changed to double locks, which are still in use today, making them even more practical. In terms of functionality, the GMT Master II takes precedence, but the Cal. 3175 movement installed in this model is highly maintainable, so it is still called a masterpiece movement that Rolex is proud of.

Cal.
Power reserve approximately 48 hours Water resistance 100m Case size 40mm

Cal.3085, which was installed in the first GMT Master II, was changed to Cal.3185, and with some minor changes, it boasted the highest class movement of its era in terms of even more stable functionality and practicality. . It has been a long-seller for about 20 years, and from around this time, the same model with different materials such as solid gold and combination materials was born, and it is the foundation of the current GMT Master.

Cal.3186
Power reserve approximately 48 hours Water resistance 100m Case size 40mm

The third generation changed to caliber 3186 and adopted a Parachrom hairspring, overcoming the weakness of accuracy being affected by magnetic fields, temperature changes, shocks, etc. It is said that Rolex spent five years developing this caliber. Starting with this model, a new ceramic material is adopted, making it the first Rolex model to feature ceramic. With regard to bracelets, technological advances began to alleviate the problem of bracelet stretching that had been common with Rolex watches up until then, and the center piece now had a mirror finish. For the same model since 2013, the luminous paint has been changed from Luminova to Chromalight, which now glows blue in the dark.

Cal.3285
Power reserve approximately 70 hours Water resistance 100m Case size 40mm

A red and blue ceramic bezel is now available on the stainless steel model. This fourth generation model features a vintage Jubilee bracelet and is equipped with a newly developed movement. The new caliber 3285 incorporates Rolex's patented Chronergy Escapement technology, making it more efficient and less susceptible to magnetic influences, increasing its power reserve to 70 hours.

Cal.3285
Power reserve approximately 70 hours Water resistance 100m Case size 40mm

One year has passed since the release of the new model Ref.126710BLRO, and the blue-black bezel that appeared on the previous model has been announced. With Cal.3285, the GMT Master not only offers practicality and stability, but also attractive cost performance. Its technological capabilities and innovative ideas will continue to develop even further into the long future. Will.