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A Closer Look at the Rolex Root Beer
Read on to discover more about the striking Rolex GMT Master Root Beer variant, a standout in the Rolex lineup.
The Rolex GMT Root Beer, often simply referred to as the Rolex Root Beer, is one of the most distinctive designs within Rolex's legendary GMT-Master series. This watch not only reflects Rolex’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship but also highlights the longstanding tradition of enthusiasts assigning playful nicknames to their favorite models. Defined by its unique two-tone bezel blending rich brown and gold hues, the Rolex Root Beer offers a striking aesthetic that sets it apart. It seamlessly combines functionality with a bold, differentiated design, making it a favorite among collectors who seek a GMT-Master with a distinctive personality.
History and Legacy of the Rolex GMT Master
The Rolex GMT-Master was introduced in 1955, originally designed to meet the needs of pilots and frequent travelers who required a reliable way to track multiple time zones. In classic Rolex fashion, the watch delivered an elegant and practical solution to this challenge.
The GMT-Master’s innovative genius lay in the addition of a fourth hand, a 24-hour GMT hand, complementing the traditional hour, minute, and second hands. This additional hand allowed wearers to track a second time zone in conjunction with the watch’s signature rotating bezel, which featured 24-hour numerals. Pilots could set the GMT hand to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), the global time standard, and rotate the bezel to quickly reference local time in their destination. More than just a design feature, the bezel’s two-tone coloring provided an intuitive visual cue—separating daytime and nighttime hours for easy reading at a glance.
Building on the popularity of the original GMT-Master, Rolex introduced the GMT-Master II in 1982. This upgraded version featured a larger case, improved functionality, and a movement that allowed independent adjustment of the hour hand, making it even more practical for world travelers.
The Evolution of the Rolex Root Beer
The Rolex Root Beer variant made its first appearance in 1970 with the introduction of the Rolex GMT-Master reference 1675/3. This model was the first to showcase the now-iconic brown and gold bezel, which immediately distinguished it from the more commonly seen blue-and-red “Pepsi” and black-and-red “Coke” bezel variants.
Nearly two decades later, Rolex introduced the GMT-Master II Root Beer with the reference 16713, produced in stainless steel and yellow gold. This model continued to attract attention for its warm, earthy tones, offering a vintage appeal that resonated with collectors. However, in 2006, Rolex discontinued this reference, leaving fans of the Root Beer aesthetic longing for its return.
That wish was granted in 2018 when Rolex revived the Root Beer colorway with the reference 126711CHNR. This modern iteration introduced the latest advancements in Rolex engineering, featuring a black-and-brown Cerachrom ceramic bezel, which provided superior durability and scratch resistance. The reintroduction of the Root Beer GMT delighted fans who sought an alternative to the popular Batman and Pepsi variants while still maintaining the watch’s signature aesthetic.
The Rolex Root Beer’s appeal has also been amplified by its association with high-profile celebrities. Notable figures such as Clint Eastwood, Dwayne Johnson, Sylvester Stallone, and professional golfers Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler have all been spotted sporting this distinctive timepiece, further cementing its status as a desirable and fashionable luxury watch.
However Rolex fans and followers were pleased to see th e Rolex Root Beer re-introduced in 2018 in the form of the black and brown Cerachrom variant (126711CHNR). This remains a popular modern GMT model for those looking to differentiate from the Rolex Batman and Pepsi variants.
Key Features of the Rolex Root Beer
- Distinctive Bezel: The defining feature of the Rolex Root Beer is its unique two-tone bezel, featuring a rich brown and gold color scheme. This signature look not only sets it apart from other GMT-Master models but also gives it an unmistakable vintage charm.
- Case and Bracelet: The watch is crafted using a blend of Oystersteel and Everose gold, offering a refined yet sporty aesthetic. The robust 40mm Oyster case ensures durability, while the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and Triplock screw-down crown enhance water resistance and reliability.
- Movement: The modern Rolex Root Beer is powered by the in-house Caliber 3285, an advanced automatic movement renowned for its precision and efficiency. It features Rolex’s Chronergy escapement, providing enhanced energy efficiency and a remarkable 70-hour power reserve, ensuring dependable performance.
- Dual Time Zone Functionality: As part of the Rolex GMT-Master series, the Root Beer allows travelers to track two time zones simultaneously. The additional GMT hand, in conjunction with the 24-hour graduated bezel, makes it easy to reference a second time zone without any complications.
- Retro Yet Modern Design: The brown and gold hues give the watch a nostalgic vintage appeal, yet Rolex has seamlessly integrated modern advancements such as Cerachrom ceramic and cutting-edge movement technology, making it both a stylish and high-performance timepiece.
The Rolex Root Beer continues to hold a special place in the prestigious GMT-Master lineup. With its distinctive color scheme, cutting-edge movement, and rich heritage, it remains a standout choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Whether admired for its nostalgic appeal or appreciated for its modern refinements, the Rolex Root Beer is a true testament to Rolex’s ability to blend tradition with innovation.
Advantages to Buying Rolex Watches on the Secondary Market
1. Access
Sotheby’s provides exclusive access to a curated selection of Rolex watches from its long established global network of sellers. As a leading marketplace, Sotheby's offers sought-after Rolex watches, from iconic classics to rare, collectible editions. Our watch specialists are dedicated to sourcing the most desirable Rolex models from collectors around the world.
2. Flexibility
Sotheby’s offers multiple ways to purchase Rolex watches, including online and in person at our locations in New York, Hong Kong, Zurich, Paris, and London. We also provide a concierge service to help source specific Rolex models not available online.
3. Value
While authorized Rolex boutiques offer their latest collections, finding specific models—especially those with strong collector demand—can be challenging due to availability constraints. Sotheby’s presents a curated selection of Rolex watches, including rare and discontinued references, available for purchase without the need to visit multiple retailers. Shopping with Sotheby’s ensures access to exceptional Rolex timepieces, from vintage icons to modern grail watches, all authenticated by experts.
4. Discovery
One of the greatest advantages of shopping in a global luxury marketplace is the chance to discover unique, limited-production Rolex watches no longer available at retail. Our curated selection of Rolex watches is continuously refreshed, ensuring that you’ll always find something new and exclusive.
Buy and Sell Your Rolex GMT Master Watch with Sotheby's
Sotheby’s offers a curated selection of the finest Rolex watches available for immediate purchase, as well as through auctions held in New York, Paris, Zurich, and Hong Kong. Expect to find rare and collectible Rolex models in every sale, including iconic pieces like the Daytona, GMT-Master, Submariner, and more in exceptional condition. Sotheby’s auctions feature an array of Rolex timepieces, ranging from elegant vintage models to contemporary masterpieces, showcasing the brand’s unmatched craftsmanship and innovation.
Prices for Rolex watches start around $10,000 for simpler models like the Datejust and rise significantly for highly sought-after pieces. Iconic models such as the Day-Date and Daytona often command starting prices of $50,000, while rare collectible editions can exceed $200,000.
- Explore upcoming watch auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Speak to a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich, London, Paris, or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Contact a Watch Specialist about selling a Rolex GMT Master watch.
Trust our worldwide network of leading watch specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
