Rolex GMT-Master II, the complete guide to the Pepsi, Batman and Sprite

Some watches were born on a racetrack, others at the bottom of the ocean. The Rolex GMT-Master II was born in a cockpit. Originally designed for airline pilots crossing the Atlantic, it has become one of the most sought-after watches on the pre-owned market.

For a buyer, the challenge is making sense of it all. Pepsi, Batman, Batgirl, Sprite, Root Beer: each nickname points to a different bezel, reference and market value. And since spring 2026, the picture has changed for one of them.

This guide covers the model's history, how it works, the differences between the main versions and what to check before you buy a GMT-Master II in Canada.

The history of the GMT-Master, from Pan Am to the GMT-Master II

In the 1950s, intercontinental flights were becoming more common. Flight crews needed to keep track of the time at their point of departure while adjusting to the time zones they crossed.

The 1955 GMT-Master and transatlantic flights

According to Maison Birks' overview of the GMT-Master II, as an official Rolex retailer, the GMT-Master was launched in 1955 and became the official watch of Pan American World Airways. The first reference, the 6542, already featured the red and blue bezel that would become legendary.

The two colours serve a specific purpose: the lighter half shows the daytime hours, the darker half the night-time hours.

The arrival of the GMT-Master II and the independent hour hand

In 1982, Rolex introduced a new movement that allows the hour hand to be set independently of the other hands. To mark this change, the model was renamed GMT-Master II. Travellers can change the local time without stopping the watch or losing the reference time.

How the Rolex GMT-Master II works

The GMT-Master II displays several time zones using a fourth hand, called the 24-hour hand, which ends in a triangle.

Reading two or even three time zones

The 24-hour hand, read against the graduated bezel, shows the reference time. The traditional hands show the local time. By turning the bidirectional bezel, you can read a third time zone, a feature business travellers appreciate.

The two-tone Cerachrom bezel and the calibre 3285

The bezel is fitted with a Cerachrom insert, a virtually scratch-resistant ceramic that keeps its colours. In 2013, Rolex succeeded in producing its first one-piece two-tone insert, in blue and black. Current models are powered by the calibre 3285, which offers a power reserve of about 70 hours.

The GMT Pepsi, the red and blue bezel

The GMT Pepsi carries the original 1955 colours. In ceramic, it first appeared in white gold in 2014, then in steel in 2018 with reference 126710BLRO on a Jubilee bracelet.

The major change is recent. As reported in this Sotheby's article on the key Pepsi references, the steel 126710BLRO was removed from the catalogue in April 2026, at the Watches and Wonders fair. The white gold version has also left the collection.

The direct result: a GMT Pepsi can now only be bought on the pre-owned market, where demand has remained very strong.

The GMT Batman and its Batgirl version on a Jubilee bracelet

The GMT Batman owes its nickname to its blue and black bezel, Rolex's very first two-tone Cerachrom bezel in 2013 (reference 116710BLNR). The current generation, the 126710BLNR, adopted the Jubilee bracelet in 2019. Enthusiasts then nicknamed this version the Batgirl.

Since 2021, the Batman has also been offered on an Oyster bracelet. The choice between the two bracelets is mostly a matter of style: the Jubilee is dressier, the Oyster sportier.

With the Pepsi discontinued, the Batman has become the most iconic steel GMT-Master II still in production. Its understated bezel goes with almost any outfit, making it a versatile choice for a first Rolex professional watch. On the pre-owned market, both generations are available side by side: the 116710BLNR, only on an Oyster bracelet, and the 126710BLNR, powered by the calibre 3285.

The GMT Sprite and its left-hand crown

Introduced in 2022, the GMT Sprite (reference 126720VTNR) pairs a green and black bezel with an all-new design. The crown and its guard are on the left side of the case, and the date appears at 9 o'clock.

This design is aimed in particular at people who wear their watch on the right wrist, or those who prefer that the crown not press against the back of the hand. The Sprite quickly became one of the most in-demand GMTs.

Other versions of the GMT-Master II

The collection includes other colour combinations that get less attention but are just as interesting:

• The Root Beer: brown and black bezel, introduced in 2018, offered in Everose Rolesor and Everose gold.
• The grey and black bezel: introduced in 2023 on the steel 126710GRNR, sometimes nicknamed the Bruce Wayne.
• The gold versions: yellow, white or Everose gold, for a more precious take on the model.
• The green ceramic dial: introduced in 2025 on a white gold version, a first for the GMT-Master II.

Comparing the GMT-Master II versions

The table below summarizes the main steel versions and their status as of September 2026. Prices shown are list prices posted by an authorized retailer in Canada, before taxes.

Nickname	Bezel	Reference	Status	List price
Pepsi	Red and blue	126710BLRO	Discontinued in 2026	Pre-owned market only
Batman	Blue and black	126710BLNR	In production	$14,900 (Oyster)
Grey and black	Grey and black	126710GRNR	In production	$15,200
Sprite	Green and black	126720VTNR	In production	$15,600
Root Beer	Brown and black	126711CHNR	In production (Everose Rolesor)	$25,450

To put the GMT-Master II in perspective alongside Rolex's other great professional watch, this guide helps you choose between the Submariner and the GMT-Master.

Buying a GMT-Master II in Canada, new or pre-owned

At retail, steel GMT-Master II models are among the hardest to get. Waiting times are unpredictable and allocation often depends on the client's purchase history. GST and QST are added to the list price.

The pre-owned market offers immediate availability, including for discontinued references such as the Pepsi. This guide explains how to buy a Rolex without a waiting list in Montreal.

What to check before you buy

The popularity of the GMT-Master II makes it a prime target for counterfeiters. Before any transaction, several checks are essential:

• The documents: the serial number, reference and warranty card must match.
• The bezel: the colour and alignment of the ceramic insert, especially the transition between the two colours.
• The functions: setting the independent hour hand and rotating the bidirectional bezel.
• The bracelet: the condition of the links and clasp, which often reveals the watch's real wear.

An inspection by a watchmaker remains the decisive step. This guide explains how to get a Rolex authenticated in Montreal.

The Rolex GMT-Master II, a watch that never loses its bearings

From Pan Am to the Sprite, the GMT-Master II has evolved without giving up its original purpose: tracking several time zones at a glance. The Batman appeals with its versatility, the Sprite with its originality, and the Pepsi has now become a collector's piece.

The right choice depends on the style you want, your wrist and your budget. To compare several versions up close, you can browse a selection of authenticated luxury watches available in Montreal.

FAQ

Which Rolex GMT-Master II should you choose, the Pepsi or the Batman?

The choice between the Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi and the Batman depends mainly on style and budget. The Pepsi, discontinued in 2026, can now only be bought on the pre-owned market, often at a high price. The Batman, still in production, has a more understated look with its blue and black bezel. It is easy to wear every day and remains more accessible for a first purchase.

Why does the GMT Sprite have its crown on the left?

The GMT Sprite has its crown on the left to meet the needs of people who wear their watch on the right wrist. This layout also keeps the crown from pressing against the back of the hand. Rolex took advantage of this configuration to move the date to 9 o'clock. This all-new design, introduced in 2022, contributes greatly to the model's appeal among collectors.

Is the GMT-Master II a good investment?

The GMT-Master II generally holds its value very well, especially the steel versions, where demand exceeds retail supply. The discontinuation of the Pepsi in 2026 has further strengthened interest in the model. Still, no watch guarantees a return. Condition, box, papers and demand at the time of sale remain decisive for the final value.