ROLEX June 9, 2023

ROLEX PEPSI HISTORY IN 3 MINUTES. READY? GO!

ROLEX PEPSI HISTORY

Rolex Pepsi history goes back in the early 1950s, at that period Pan American Airlines best known as Pan Am shared with Rolex the special of its pilots. They wanted a watch that would be able to display two different time zones at the same time when they had a transatlantic flight.

Rolex set out to create a timepiece that would revolutionize the world of aviation and travel. This marked the beginning of an iconic watch known as the Rolex GMT-Master, and one of its most famous variations came to be known as the “Pepsi” due to its distinctive red and blue bezel that looked like the famous soft drink Pepsi.

A Tale between Rolex and Pan Am

It all started due to the special needs of the employees of Pan Am, due toIn 1954, the Rolex Pepsi GMT was launched as the outcome of a specific requirement of Pan Am to Rolex . Rolex collaborated with Pan American World Airways in order to create a watch that would be especially designed for the needs of the pilots transiting in different time zones as well as tracking time during long-haul flights. The first GMT-Master was launched featuring a red and blue bi-colored bezel made from Bakelite and quickly replaced by anodised aluminum.

The colors that were chosen in order to represent the day and night hours on the watch, making it easier for pilots to differentiate between those two. The “Pepsi” nickname was given due to the blue and red GMT-Master bezels(ref. 6542) launched in 1955 that reflected the colours of the logo of one of the most well known soft drink globally PEPSI.

Over the years, the GMT-Master Pepsi became highly popular among watch enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. The watch embodied the perfect blend of functionality, style, and luxury. Its robust construction, reliable movement, and distinctive design made it an instant hit among professionals and adventurers alike.

ROLEX PESPI: Technological Advancements and Modernization

Throughout its history, the Rolex GMT-Master Pepsi went through several updates and improvements. In the late 1950s, Rolex replaced the aluminum bezel with a more durable one made of Bakelite. However, due to its tendency to crack and fade over time, Rolex transitioned to using aluminum inserts for the bezel in the 1960s.

In the 1980s, Rolex introduced a new reference, the GMT-Master II, featuring an enhanced movement and a more modern appearance. This version allowed for independent adjustments of the hour hand, making it even more convenient for frequent travelers.

In 2014, Rolex unveiled a new iteration of the GMT-Master II Pepsi at Baselworld, the world’s largest watch and jewelry fair. This model, reference 116719BLRO, brought significant updates to the iconic timepiece. It introduced a ceramic bezel, which offered enhanced scratch resistance and vibrant colors that stayed true for years to come. The Pepsi bezel now featured patented Cerachrom technology, which allowed for the creation of the iconic red and blue ceramic bezel.

ROLEX PESPI: The Enduring Appeal of legacy

The GMT-Master II Pepsi continues to captivate watch enthusiasts with its timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship, and technical prowess. It represents the enduring legacy of Rolex as a pioneer in the world of horology and a symbol of luxury and precision. It is a watch that many celebrities wore and it stands out due to its unique combination of red and blue colors.

Today, the Rolex Pepsi GMT-Master II remains a highly coveted and iconic timepiece, with its rich history and distinctive aesthetics continuing to make it a favorite among watch collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

Want to learn more about Rolex History? Check out our article that describes how everything started.

Feel free to contact and share your thoughts with us your feedback is important as we are trying to create a unique interactive community for all the watch fanatics.

ROLEX May 15, 2016

Thirsty for ROLEX Root Beer 1675?

ROLEX ROOT BEER HISTORY

The Rolex “Root Beer” is a popular nickname given to certain watches that feature a distinct brown and gold color scheme. This nickname originated from the resemblance of the watch’s bezel to the color of root beer, a popular carbonated beverage.

Its history can be traced back to the 1960s, when Rolex introduced a new variation of their GMT-Master watch. The GMT-Master was originally designed for pilots and allowed them to track time in different time zones simultaneously. The watch featured a rotating bezel with a 24-hour scale, allowing the wearer to read a second time zone by aligning it with the GMT hand.

By the time of the ’80s, Hollywood was beginning to create iconic stars, one of them was Clint Eastwood, who stated that the Root Beer was one of his favorites, he even used it in several of his films such as Firefox (Firefox, 1982), Tightrope (1984) and In the line of fire (1993)

ROLEX FISRT GMT

The first Rolex GMT-Master “Root Beer” made its debut in the 1960s with reference 1675/3. It had a two-tone bezel with alternating brown and gold segments, giving it a unique and distinctive appearance. The brown color of the bezel was created by using anodized aluminum, which provided durability and a rich hue.

Rolex GMT, Root Beer Ref. 1675

ROLEX ROOT BEER through the 70s

Rolex continued to produce different variations throughout the years. In the 1970s, they introduced the reference 16753, which featured a new case design that also had a date function. This model was also available in a two-tone configuration, with a mix of stainless steel and yellow gold.

In the 1980s, they updated the design with the introduction of the reference 16713. This model retained the brown and gold bezel but featured a slimmer case profile and improved movement. It was crafted from a combination of stainless steel and 18k yellow gold, giving it a luxurious and refined aesthetic.

RECENT YEARS

Rolex has reintroduced the theme in their GMT-Master II collection several years ago. At Baselworld 2018, they presented the GMT-Master II reference 126711CHNR, often referred to as the “Root Beer” or “Root Beer II.” This model featured a brown and black ceramic bezel with a two-tone Everose gold and stainless steel case and bracelet.

This collection has gained a strong following among watch enthusiasts due to its distinctive color scheme, luxurious materials, and Rolex’s reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and precision. The combination of brown and gold gives the watch a warm and sophisticated appeal, making it a sought-after timepiece in the luxury watch market.

The name has become synonymous with Rolex watches that feature a brown and gold bezel, and while the specific references and design details may vary over the years, the essence of the Root Beer remains an iconic and desirable part of the watchmaking legacy.

Today, however, Rolex makes a modern bezel in black and brown ceramic, fitted to Everose gold (ref. 126715CHNR) or two-tone Everose gold and steel GMT-Master II (ref. 126711CHNR) watches. CHNR is short for the French words for chocolate and black, “chocolat/noir”.

Important Milestones

Rolex GMT-Master “Root Beer” Reference 1675/3: This was one of the earliest iterations of the theme, introduced in the 1960s. It featured a two-tone bezel with alternating brown and gold segments, crafted from anodized aluminum.
Rolex GMT-Master “Root Beer” Reference 16753: This model was introduced in the 1970s and featured a two-tone stainless steel and yellow gold construction. It had an updated case design and included a date function.
Rolex GMT-Master II “Root Beer” Reference 16713: Released in the 1980s, this version featured a brown and gold bezel along with a slimmer case profile. It was crafted from stainless steel and 18k yellow gold, offering a luxurious appeal.
Rolex GMT-Master II “Root Beer” Reference 126711CHNR: This model was unveiled at Baselworld 2018 and is often referred to as the “Root Beer II.” It featured a brown and black ceramic bezel, a two-tone Everose gold and stainless steel case, and bracelet. It represented the modern interpretation of the theme.

Want to learn more about Rolex History? Check out our article that describes how everything started.

Feel free to contact and share your thoughts with us your feedback is important as we are trying to create a unique interactive community for all the watch fanatics.

ROLEX May 15, 2016

ROLEX GMT BATMAN

ROLEX GMT BATMAN Story

The Rolex “Batman” is a nickname commonly used to refer to certain GMT-Master II watches that feature a black and blue color theme. This nickname was given due to the resemblance of the bezel colors to the custom colors of Batman.

The history of the Rolex Batman can be traced back in 2013 when GMT-Master II Reference 116710BLNR was released. In this model major changes can be identified as it was the first time that black and blue ceramic bezel was introduced. The black color represented the night time hours, while the blue the daytime hours on the bezel.

ROLEX GMT BATMAN Master II Ref. 116710BLNR

The Rolex GMT-Master II reference 116710BLNR, often known as the “Batman,” with its stainless steel case and bracelet, quickly gained popularity among watch enthusiasts for its amazing and strong color combination. The blue and black ceramic bezel insert was crafted using Rolex’s patented Cerachrom technology that was able to give amazing scratch resistance and color durability. ROLEX GMT BATMAN became one of the most favorite models of Rolex for its unique aesthetic.

ROLEX GMT BATMAN Ref 126710BLNR

In 2019, “Batman” made a strong appearance in the watch world with the release of the GMT-Master II reference 126710BLNR. This version kept the black and blue ceramic bezel but changed the case and introduced slimmer lags and added the choice of a Jubilee bracelet.

ROLEX GMT BATMAN IMPORTANT MILESTONES

Rolex GMT-Master II Reference 116710BLNR: This model, introduced in 2013, is often referred to as the “Batman” due to its black and blue ceramic bezel. It features a stainless steel case and bracelet and became popular for its striking color combination.
Rolex GMT-Master II Reference 126710BLNR: This updated version of the “Batman” was released in 2019. It retained the black and blue ceramic bezel but introduced a slightly redesigned case with slimmer lugs. It also offered the option of a Jubilee bracelet in addition to the traditional Oyster bracelet.

Want to learn more about Rolex History? Check out our article that describes how everything started.

Feel free to contact and share your thoughts with us your feedback is important as we are trying to create a unique interactive community for all the watch fanatics.