The Rolex GMT Master II is an essential appendage for international pilots and the ultimate accessory for the serious traveller. Designed in collaboration with Pan Am Airways, it is intended to meet the demands of professionals who fly the world; be it aircrew or international businessmen. Introduced in 1955 as part of the Rolex Professional range, it was the first wristwatch which enabled two time zones to be viewed simultaneously; an indespensible feature for professional aviators.
The rotatable 24 hour graduated bezel allows a total of 3 time zones to be read. The display of Greenwich Mean Time is particularly important as before inertial navigation and global positioning system technologies were developed, and aircrafts were out of range of normal radio navigation, an accurate GMT source was essential for astronavigation.
The second time zone provides great help in managing jet lag for aircrews on long haul flights, and for communications with friends and family at home when travelling trans-Atlantic. Particularly popular with military pilots and NASA, and sailors who require GMT or a second time zone, they are extremely accurate and robust due to the scratch resistant black Cerachrom disc, shock proofing, and water resistance of up to 100m.
As Rolex is renowned for its quality, this collection soon became very popular with the general public, and the GMT Master II is now regarded as high luxury or status symbol. It is now available in yellow gold, and Rolex signature Rolesor; a unique combination of 18ct gold and 904L steel. The Rolex Bi-colour GMT was an immediate success and is regarded as a true classic, which is distinguishable at first glance.