GMT MASTER (GMT MASTER) Product history and chronology explained

Cal.3285
Power reserve: 70 hours, water resistance: 100m, case size: 40mm

A year has passed since the release of the new Ref. 126710BLRO model, and it continues to feature the blue-and-black bezel that was introduced in the previous model. The Caliber 3285 movement makes the GMT-Master not only practical and reliable, but also attractive for its cost-effectiveness. Its technological prowess and innovative ideas are sure to continue to develop well into the future.

Cal.3285
Power reserve: 70 hours, water resistance: 100m, case size: 40mm

The red and blue ceramic bezel is now available on stainless steel models. This fourth-generation model features a vintage-inspired Jubilee bracelet and is equipped with a newly developed movement. The new Cal. 3285 incorporates Rolex's patented "Chronergy escapement" technology, which improves efficiency and makes it less susceptible to magnetic fields, extending the power reserve to 70 hours.

Cal.3186
Power reserve: 48 hours, water resistance: 100m, case size: 40mm

The third generation saw the transition to the Caliber 3186, which adopted a Parachrom balance spring, overcoming the weaknesses of accuracy affected by magnetic fields, temperature changes, and shocks. It is said that Rolex spent five years developing this caliber. This model also saw the adoption of ceramic, making it the first Rolex to feature ceramic. Technological advances around this time helped to alleviate the stretching issue commonly seen on Rolex bracelets, and the center links were given a mirror finish. From 2013 onward, the luminous material was changed from Luminova to Chromalight, which glows blue in the dark.

Cal.3185
Power reserve: 48 hours, water resistance: 100m, case size: 40mm

The original GMT-Master II was equipped with the Caliber 3085, which was replaced with the Caliber 3185. After minor modifications, the movement boasted even more stable functionality and practicality, making it one of the best movements of its era. Looking back at its 20-year run as a long-selling model, it was around this time that the same model was released in different materials, such as solid gold and two-tone materials, laying the foundation for the current GMT-Master.

Cal.3175
Power reserve: 48 hours, water resistance: 100m, case size: 40mm

The final model of the GMT-Master I, Ref. 16700, had the same sapphire crystal as the II. Until then, the bracelet had been single-locking, but from around 1995 it was changed to the double-locking mechanism still used today, further improving practicality. While the GMT-Master II wins in terms of functionality, the Cal. 3175 movement used in this model is highly maintainable and is still considered a masterpiece movement that Rolex is proud of today.

Cal.3085
Power reserve: 48 hours, water resistance: 100m, case size: 40mm

The GMT-Master II, a higher-end model of the GMT-Master I, was released in 1983. The first model was the reference 16760. It differed from the GMT-Master I in that the hour hand could be moved independently. When used in conjunction with the bezel, it was possible to track up to three time zones on a single watch. To differentiate it from the GMT-Master I, the bezel was only available in red and black. While the GMT-Master I had a plastic crystal, the II features a sapphire crystal, further highlighting its position as a higher-end model than the GMT-Master I. Its availability on the pre-owned market is extremely limited. Its thicker case than other GMT-Masters has earned it the nickname "Fat Lady."

Cal.3075
Power reserve: 48 hours, water resistance: 100m, case size: 40mm

While there were no major design changes compared to the second generation, the movement was upgraded to the Cal. 3075, which operates at 28,800 vibrations per minute, improving precision, and the addition of a quick-change calendar function improved operability. Furthermore, water resistance improved from 50m to 100m. This was the time when Rolex began to demonstrate why it was considered the pinnacle of practical wristwatches.

Cal.1566/Cal.1575
Power reserve: 36-48 hours, water resistance: 50m, case size: 40mm

The case size increased to 40mm, and from around this time, two bracelets, the Jubilee and the Oyster bracelet, were introduced. Even current models feature a crown guard, an essential part that enhances both design and practicality. This model was also worn by Che Guevara, who famously wore a GMT-Master, and it remains a highly sought-after antique watch today. As a long-selling model manufactured for approximately 20 years, the movement used at the time of its release is different from that used after 1965.

Cal.1066
Power reserve: 48 hours, water resistance: 50m, case size: 38mm

The 1950s was a time when the development of airplanes made intercontinental travel popular. The GMT-Master was born in response to a request from Pan American World Airways, a major airline at the time. The original GMT-Master I featured a red and blue bezel, a mirrored dial, a 38mm case size, and the absence of the crown guard found on current models. Originally made from Plexiglas, it was changed to aluminum due to its vulnerability to impacts, and was produced from its launch in 1954 until around 1959.