As Rolex marks the 70th anniversary of its iconic GMT-Master in 2025, the brand unveils two breathtaking iterations that blend heritage with avant-garde craftsmanship. The latest additions – a white gold “Sprite” adorned with a striking green ceramic dial and an Everose gold model featuring a mesmerizing tiger iron face – redefine luxury while honoring the collection’s storied legacy.
A Legacy Born from the Skies
The GMT-Master’s origins trace back to the golden age of aviation, when Pan American World Airways sought a watch capable of tracking multiple time zones for pilots navigating transatlantic routes. Rolex answered with a masterpiece: a chronometer-certified watch featuring a revolutionary fourth hand and rotating bezel. Beyond its utilitarian roots, the GMT-Master transcended its cockpit origins, becoming a symbol of global connectivity. NASA astronauts, military aviators, and cosmopolitan travelers alike embraced its dual-time functionality, while its design evolved into a hallmark of status and precision. Seven decades later, this fusion of technical ingenuity and aspirational allure continues to captivate.
Evolution of Excellence
While the GMT-Master’s silhouette remains timeless, its mechanics have undergone meticulous refinement. At its heart lies the Caliber 3285, a self-winding movement boasting copy Rolex‘s proprietary Chronergy escapement and Parachrom hairspring, ensuring accuracy within -2/+2 seconds daily. The 70-hour power reserve and Paraflex shock absorbers underscore its resilience, a testament to Rolex’s relentless pursuit of reliability. Externally, innovations like the Cerachrom bezel – a virtually scratch-proof ceramic fused with platinum-coated indices – elevate both durability and legibility. These advancements, paired with the lustrous 904L Oystersteel and precious metal cases, embody the brand’s philosophy of perpetual progress.
2025’s Masterstrokes: Opulence Reimagined
The 18K Everose gold reference 126715CHNR marries warmth with mystique. Its dial, crafted from tiger iron – a natural composite of tiger’s eye, red jasper, and hematite – ripples with earthy crimson and gold undertones, evoking the raw beauty of a desert sunset. Paired with a black and brown Cerachrom bezel, this model exudes rugged sophistication, priced at CHF 47,100 (€51,250).
In contrast, the white gold “Sprite” (ref. 126729VTNR) captivates with bold modernity. Its left-handed crown placement, a nod to the 2022 steel iteration, is accentuated by a sun-brushed green ceramic dial that mirrors the bezel’s verdant daytime hues. The monochromatic Oyster bracelet tempers its audacity, offering understated elegance at CHF 44,500 (€48,450).
Rolex’s 2025 offerings transcend mere horological function, embodying artistry intertwined with engineering. Whether through the primal allure of tiger iron or the sleek futurism of ceramic, these models celebrate seven decades of innovation while charting a course for the future. For collectors and connoisseurs, they are not just timekeepers but heirlooms – a testament to a legacy that soars beyond time zones.