Okay, so, I’ve been messing around with watches lately, and let me tell you, it’s a rabbit hole. Today, I’m diving into trying to make a Rolex GMT-Master II, you know, the one with the “Root Beer” bezel. It’s a classic look, and I wanted to see if I could get that vibe without, you know, selling a kidney.
I started by looking at a bunch of pictures online. Found some reviews, even looked at what people were saying about Stuhrling watches, an American brand. They’re not Rolex, but they’ve got some decent-looking pieces. This was just to get an idea of what’s out there in terms of similar styles.
Then I dug into the history of the actual Rolex GMT-Master II. Apparently, the original ref. 1675/3 was around until 1979, and then in 1980, they came out with something new. I guess that’s where the “Root Beer” thing really took off. I saw a photo of a steel and everose gold one with the black and brown ceramic bezel that was collected a month ago, and wow, that’s a beauty.
What makes the GMT-Master II special is the rotating bezel and the extra hour hand that you can set independently. From what I gathered, that’s what really set it apart. There are a couple of main types, but I’m just trying to get the look down for now, not become an expert.
- The first step was finding a base watch. I didn’t want to spend a fortune, so I looked for something with a similar case shape and a decent movement.
- Next, the bezel. That “Root Beer” color is key. I found some aftermarket bezels online that were designed to fit certain watch models. You can get them in ceramic, just like the real deal.
- The dial and hands were another challenge. I found some that were inspired by the Rolex design, with that classic Mercedes hour hand. It’s not exact, but it gets the job done.
- Putting it all together was the tricky part. I had to carefully remove the original bezel, which was a bit nerve-wracking, not gonna lie. Then, fitting the new bezel took some patience and a steady hand. Swapping the dial and hands was even more delicate.
I also learned that the GMT Master II series has a bunch of models. They mix high-tech stuff with a design that just doesn’t go out of style. That’s pretty cool, if you ask me. Also found out that it’s waterproof up to 100 meters, with the Triplock winding crown. It’s crucial to completely screw down the crown against the case after winding or setting the time and never open it underwater.
Result
In the end, did I create a perfect replica of a Rolex GMT-Master II “Root Beer”? Nope. But did I end up with a watch that captures the spirit of it, has that classic style, and didn’t cost me an arm and a leg? Absolutely. It’s not about tricking anyone; it’s about appreciating the design and having a bit of fun with it. Plus, I learned a ton about watches in the process. Not bad for a weekend project, right?
Oh, and I saw that even Daniel Craig, the guy who plays James Bond, has a GMT-Master II in his personal collection, though he wears OMEGA watches in the movies. And Orlando Bloom is into Rolex, too. Hollywood seems to love these watches. And recently I saw an article about a unique model, reference 116718LN, with a yellow gold case, a full black ceramic bezel, and Rolex’s signature green dial. Man, that must be something to see in person.
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